Reach and Impact of In-Person and Remote Delivery Formats of Walk with Ease

This descriptive study retrospectively evaluates the reach and impact of cohorts enrolled in Group (in-person, 2017-2020) and Self-Directed (remote, 2019-2020) delivery formats of the evidenced-based health promotion program, Walk with Ease, implemented statewide in North Carolina. An existing dataset consisting of pre- and post-surveys were analyzed for 1,890 participants; 454 (24%) from the Group format and 1,436 (76%) from Self-Directed. Self-Directed participants were younger, had more years of education, represented more Black/African American and multi-racial participants, and participated in more locations than Group, though a higher percentage of Group participants were from rural counties. Self-Directed participants were less likely to report having arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, kidney disease, stroke, or osteoporosis, though more likely to report being obese or having anxiety or depression. All participants walked more and expressed higher confidence in managing joint pain following the program. These results promote opportunities for enhancing engagement in Walk with Ease with diverse populations.