What Is the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program?
Just as its name indicates, the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is an exercise program developed by the Arthritis Foundation for arthritis patients. The program was first developed in 1987 and until recently it was called P.A.C.E. (People With Arthritis Can Exercise). Essentially, the program promotes self-management of arthritis through exercise.
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is offered at two levels -- basic and advanced. It is available throughout the country. To easily find a program near you, call your local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.
Is the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Successful?
According to a report published in the January 2008 issue of Arthritis Care and Research, the basic 8-week Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program was evaluated for improvements in arthritis symptoms, functioning (e.g., standing up from a chair), level of physical activity, and psychosocial outcomes (self-confidence, depression, helplessness). There were 346 people from 18 sites in the study with self-reported arthritis.
The 8-week program consisted of exercise, twice-weekly, for one hour. The participants ranged in age from 32 to 94. Ninety percent of the participants were female, 75% were white, and 60% had attained education higher than a high school diploma.
Results of Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Study
At 8 weeks, the study participants had improvement in pain and fatigue. Participants also showed an increase in upper and lower extremity function (arms and legs), and increased strength. Those who continued the program beyond 8 weeks had improvement in pain, fatigue, and stiffness.
Six months after completing the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, pain and fatigue remained improved while disability and self-confidence got worse. Researchers concluded that to achieve sustained improvement, people with arthritis may require continued participation in an Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program or similar program.
Many people hold onto the misconception that exercise exacerbates joint pain, but actually gentle, range of motion, low-impact exercise improves arthritis pain. If you are interested in checking out an Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program:
- Ask your doctor if you can join an exercise program.
- Ask your doctor about any restrictions or limitations regarding exercise.
- Find the program nearest where you live.
- Be committed to the program -- don't skip sessions.
Source:
A randomized controlled trial of the people with arthritis can exercise program: Symptoms, function, physical activity, and psychosocial outcomes. Callahan et al. Arthritis Care and Research. January 2008.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/117870789/ABSTRACT
