Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP), formerly known as People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE), is a program to help people self-manage their arthritis symptoms through exercise. Sessions include health education, relaxation techniques, and a variety of endurance-building and range-of-motion activities. Classes are available for different fitness levels, and exercises are modified to individual participant needs. Class instructors participate in Arthritis Foundation instructor-training. The program exercises are focused on improving functional ability and increasing confidence in ability to exercise.

Goal / Mission

The goal of the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is to increase joint flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength among individuals with arthritis.

Results / Accomplishments

A randomized controlled trial of 346 individuals in North Carolina showed that after 8 weeks of programming, the intervention group had improvements in pain, fatigue, and perceived self-efficacy for managing arthritis. Participants who attended more than 9 classes had improvements in symptom outcomes (pain, fatigue, stiffness), function outcomes (10-pound lifts, chair stands), and psychological outcome (self-efficacy for arthritis management). Six months following the intervention participants in the exercise program maintained significant improvements in symptoms.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Arthritis Foundation
Primary Contact
Arthritis Foundation National Office
1355 Peachtree St NE
6th Floor
Atlanta,GA 30309
800-283-7800 
http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exe...
Topics
Health / Other Conditions
Health / Older Adults
Organization(s)
Arthritis Foundation
Source
Arthritis & Rheumatism (Arthritis Care & Research) Journal
Date of publication
2008
Date of implementation
1999
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Older Adults