Effectiveness of two Arthritis Foundation programs: Walk With Ease, and YOU Can Break the Pain Cycle.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of two Arthritis Foundation programs: Walk With Ease (WWE) and YOU Can Break The Pain Cycle (PC).


METHODS
Quasi-experimental, repeated measures design. Retested at six weeks and four months.


METHODS
Community based intervention.


METHODS
Volunteer sample of 163 adults with arthritis recruited through mailings, newspapers, and flyers.


METHODS
Subjects participated in a 90 minute seminar (PC, Group A), a six-week walking program (WWE, Group B), or both programs (Group C).


METHODS
Survey assessment of arthritis knowledge, general health, self-management 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.


CONCLUSIONS
Subjects in different programs differed on impact of arthritis. These programs provide effective arthritis management opportunities.
Physical Therapy Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
Michelle
M
Bruno
Susan
S
Cummins
Lisha
L
Gaudiano
Johanna
J
Stoos
Peter
P
Blanpied
D000328:Adult; D001168:Arthritis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D012237:Rhode Island; D012648:Self Care; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016138:Walking