Walk With Ease (Self-Directed)

The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease (WWE) Self-Directed arthritis physical activity program was developed by researchers at the Thurston Arthritis Research Center, UNC–Chapel Hill. The primary audience is adults who may be medically or self-diagnosed with arthritis or with other chronic conditions and wish to be more physically active. The program is offered in English and Spanish. The WWE guidebook leads participants through the program, including setting goals, identifying barriers, conducting self-assessments, performing stretching and strengthening exercises, and walking. Participants are encouraged to walk at least 3 times per week, working up to 30 minutes per session or more.

The self-directed program addresses four primary goals: 

(a) to provide education about safe and effective physical activity for people with arthritis

(b) to provide basic information about arthritis and arthritis symptom management 

(c) to guide participants through key behavior change steps to increase physical activity

(d) to provide participants with a step-by-step approach to increasing and maintaining physical activity levels based on the latest research and recommendations

image

Program Planning

Program Implementation

Enhance®Fitness

Enhance®Fitness is a low-cost, evidence-based group exercise and falls prevention program that helps older adults at all levels of fitness become more active, energized, and empowered. You can recognize an EnhanceFitness class by the relaxed atmosphere and the laughter in the room—whether offered in-person or remotely. A full hour of fun, EnhanceFitness focuses on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance, and flexibility, led by a certified instructor with special training to bring out the physical best from older adults.

image

Program Planning

Program Implementation

Data Collection

  • NCOA | Data Collection Tools for Falls Prevention Programs
  • Sounds Generations | Sound Generations (the organization that provides EnhanceFitness program support nationally) offers a low-cost, user-friendly web-based application, the EnhanceFitness Online Data Entry System (EF ODES). This application enables delivery sites and EF instructors to track the information they need to know to show how their participants improve through time.

Sustainability

As an ongoing program that aims to become a long-term part of its participants’ lives, the sustainability of EnhanceFitness is an essential feature. Project Enhance participates in research and evaluation to ensure that the program’s content and its delivery support materials are continuously maintained and updated. EnhanceFitness is always seeking to expand its existing partnerships with MedicareAdvantage plans and supplemental insurance payors to create reimbursement opportunities for EF delivery sites. Details can be found in the affiliate portal. 

Fit Strong! (@Home)

Fit & Strong! is a community-based physical activity and behavior change intervention offering stretching, balance, aerobic, and endurance exercises. Health education, problem-solving, and goal setting also are important program components. Fit & Strong! Is aimed at adults with osteoarthritis as well as sedentary older adults who experience lower-extremity joint pain and stiffness. Fit & Strong! classes are 90 minutes 3 times per week for 8 weeks and are delivered by a certified exercise instructor.

image

Program Planning

Data Collection

Sustainability