Operation Change: A New Paradigm Addressing Behavior Change and Musculoskeletal Health Disparities

In this study, we examined the implementation and efficacy of Operation Change, a community-based, culturally sensitive program to stimulate behavioral changes in activity level and improve musculoskeletal health in African-American (AA) and Hispanic/Latina (H/L) women with obesity and early-stage osteoarthritis.

Sixty-two women (32 AA and 30 H/L), 40-75 years old, with nontraumatic knee pain and body mass index values > 30, participated in a 12-week program of presentations, motivational interviewing, goal setting, and physical activities. Assessments (at 0, 6, and 12 weeks) included a demographic questionnaire, physical assessment, timed 50-ft walking test, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), 8-Item Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), and motivational interview assessment.

Walking time improved significantly for H/L women (P < 0.0001) but not AA women (P = 0.0759). Both groups had significant mean weight loss (P < 0.05) with high variability among individuals. WOMAC scores for both groups indicated decreased pain (P < 0.0001) and stiffness (P < 0.0001) and improved physical functioning (P < 0.0001) by 12 weeks. SF-36 results were comparable to those of the WOMAC. PHQ-8 results improved significantly for H/L women (P < 0.0001) but not AA women (P = 0.077). Participants scored the motivational interviewing component of the program favorably.

Participation in Operation Change increased physical activity, resulting in improvements in pain and function scores. This supports a new paradigm for behavioral modification that helps AA and H/L women take an active role in living with osteoarthritis.