Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a revised 6-week walking program for adults with arthritis, Walk With Ease (WWE), delivered in 2 formats, instructor-led group or self-directed.
METHODS: In an observational pre-post study design, 462 individuals with self-reported arthritis selected either a group format (n = 192) or a self-directed (n = 270) format. Performance and self-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 6 weeks. Self-reported outcomes were assessed at 1 year. Adjusted mean outcome values for group and self-directed participants were determined using regression models, adjusting for covariates.
RESULTS: At 6 weeks, significant adjusted mean improvements (P < 0.05) were seen for nearly all self-report and performance measures in both formats. Modest to moderate effect sizes (ES) were seen for disability (ES 0.16-0.23), pain, fatigue, and stiffness (ES 0.21-0.40), and helplessness (ES 0.24-0.28). The Arthritis Self-Efficacy (ASE) pain and symptom scales had modest improvements (ES 0.09-0.21). The performance measures of strength (ES 0.29-0.35), balance (ES 0.12-0.36), and walking pace (ES 0.12-0.32) all showed modest to moderate improvements. No adverse events were reported for either format. At 1 year, both formats showed modest improvement in ASE pain, but there were 5 outcomes where self-directed participants showed significant improvement, while the group participants did not.
CONCLUSION: The revised WWE program decreases disability and improves arthritis symptoms, self-efficacy, and perceived control, balance, strength, and walking pace in individuals with arthritis, regardless of whether they are taking a group class or doing the program as self-directed walkers. At 1 year, some benefits are maintained, particularly among the self-directed. This is a safe, easy, and inexpensive program to promote community-based physical activity.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1098-1107 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Arthritis Care & Research |
Volume | 63 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2011 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Rheumatology.Keywords
- aged
- arthritis
- attitude to Health
- behavior therapy
- exercise therapy
- humans
- longitudinal studies
- middle aged
- patient compliance
- program evaluation
- psychotherapy, group
- self care
- self efficacy
- treatment outcome
- walking