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Evaluation of a multi-component group exercise program for adults with arthritis: Fitness and Exercise for People
Susan S Levy1, Caroline A Macera, Jennifer M Hootman
1San Diego State University, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego, CA 92182-7251, USA. slevy@mail.sdsu.edu
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.
Purpose:
To conduct a preliminary evaluation of the effects of the FEPA program on physical function and arthritis-related outcomes in individuals with arthritis.
Method:
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.
