title: Evaluation of a multi-component group exercise program for adults with arthritis: Fitness and Exercise for People with Arthritis (FEPA).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research supports the favorable effects of exercise on physical and psychosocial outcomes in those with arthritis. Few easily disseminated, multi-component, arthritis-specific programs have been evaluated using both physical function and psychosocial measures. Fitness and Exercise for People with Arthritis (FEPA) is a new community-based, 3-month, instructor supervised multi-component exercise program for individuals with arthritis designed to increase strength, flexibility, balance, and aerobic conditioning, while emphasizing joint-protection and proper biomechanics.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To conduct a preliminary evaluation of the effects of the FEPA program on physical function and arthritis-related outcomes in individuals with arthritis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Middle-aged (n = 31, M(age) = 54.8 ± 7.2) and older (n = 79, M(age) = 76.0 ± 6.6) adults with arthritis completed the instructor led FEPA program in community senior centers, churches, and adult education settings. Changes in physical function, measured using the arm curl, back-scratch test, 8-foot up-and-go, and 6 min walk and self-reported arthritis-related pain, perceived physical function, affect, and self-efficacy for symptom management were assessed using RM ANOVA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant improvements (ps < .05) in all physical function measures were found in the older group. In the middle-aged group, significant improvements (ps < .05) were found in the 8-foot up-and-go and 6 min walk. Self-reported physical function, pain perceptions, and self-efficacy for pain management significantly improved (ps < .05) in middle-aged participants, while only self-reported pain perceptions significantly improved in the older group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FEPA shows promise for improving health-related outcomes in those with arthritis, and has potential for sustainability in community settings.
authors.affiliation: San Diego State University, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego, CA 92182-7251, USA. slevy@mail.sdsu.edu
authors.forename: Susan S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: Caroline A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Macera
authors.forename: Jennifer M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hootman
authors.forename: Karen J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Coleman
authors.forename: Ruby
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lopez
authors.forename: Jeanne F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Nichols
authors.forename: Simon J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Ainsworth
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ji
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000628:therapy; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D015444:Exercise; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010146:Pain; D059408:Pain Management; D010465:Perception; D010809:Physical Fitness; D015397:Program Evaluation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D057566:Self Report; D016138:Walking