Effectiveness of two Arthritis Foundation programs: Walk With Ease, and YOU Can Break the Pain Cycle
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
2006
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of two Arthritis Foundation programs: Walk With Ease (WWE) and YOU Can Break The Pain Cycle (PC).
Design: Quasi-experimental, repeated measures design. Retested at six weeks and four months.
Setting: Community based intervention.
Participants: Volunteer sample of 163 adults with arthritis recruited through mailings, newspapers, and flyers.
Interventions: Subjects participated in a 90 minute seminar (PC, Group A), a six-week walking program (WWE, Group B), or both programs (Group C).
Main outcome measures: Survey assessment of arthritis knowledge, general health, selfmanagement activities, confidence, physical abilities, depression, health distress, and how arthritis affects their life. A Squat Test, a Six Minute Walk test, and a Timed Functional Walk Test were also administered.
Results: Subjects in Group B were more confident, less depressed, had less health distress, and less pain than subjects in Group A. Scores of Group C were between Group A and B scores. Differences in groups over time indicated that the WWE resulted in increased confidence, physical abilities, time spent in self-management activities and decreased pain and fatigue. All groups increased in walking endurance at six weeks, and increased in health distress at four months.
Conclusion: Subjects in different programs differed on impact of arthritis. These programs provide effective arthritis management opportunities.
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Bruno, M., Cummins, S., Gaudiano, L., Stoos, J., & Blanpied, P. (2006). Effectiveness of two Arthritis Foundation programs: Walk With Ease, and YOU Can Break the Pain Cycle. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 1(3), 295-306. Retrieved from https://www.dovepress.com/effectiveness-of-two-arthritis-foundation-programs-walk-with-ease-and--peer-reviewed-article-CIA
Available at: https://www.dovepress.com/effectiveness-of-two-arthritis-foundation-programs-walk-with-ease-and--peer-reviewed-article-CIA
Comment
Peter Blanpied has a dual appointment with the Department of Kinesiology and the Department of Physical Therapy.