Evaluation of active living every day in adults with arthritis.
BACKGROUND
Adults with arthritis can benefit from participation in physical activity and may be assisted by organized programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 20-week behavioral lifestyle intervention, Active Living Every Day (ALED), for improvements in primary outcomes (physical activity levels, aerobic endurance, function, symptoms).


METHODS
A 20-week randomized controlled community trial was conducted in 354 adults. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 20 weeks in the intervention and wait-list control groups. The intervention group was also assessed at 6 and 12 months. Mean outcomes were determined by multilevel regression models in the intervention and control groups at follow-up points.


RESULTS
At 20 weeks, the intervention group significantly increased participation in physical activity, and improved aerobic endurance, and select measures of function while pain, fatigue and stiffness remained status quo. In the intervention group, significant improvements in physical activity at 20 weeks were maintained at 6 and 12 months, and stiffness decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
ALED appears to improve participation in physical activity, aerobic endurance, and function without exacerbating disease symptoms in adults with arthritis.
Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Leigh F
LF
Callahan
Rebecca J
RJ
Cleveland
Jack
J
Shreffler
Jennifer M
JM
Hootman
Thelma J
TJ
Mielenz
Britta
B
Schoster
Teresa
T
Brady
Todd
T
Schwartz
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005221:Fatigue / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010146:Pain; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome