TABLE 1—
CDC Arthritis Program Recommended Evidence-Based Self-Management and Physical Activity Interventions for Adults With Arthritis
| Description | For More Information | |
| Self-Management Education | ||
| Arthritis Self-Management Program | Small group sessions taught by 2 trained leaders meeting wkly for 2-h classes for 6 wk. Content includes focus on health behaviors, medication use, cognitive symptoms management using skills such as goal setting, and problem-solving. | http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/asmp.html |
| Chronic Disease Self-Management Program | Small group format lead by 2 trained leaders meeting wkly for 2–2.5 h/session for 6 wk. Persons with a variety of chronic conditions attend together. The content is not arthritis specific but focuses on health behaviors and general disease management skills. Self-study mail-based and interactive group Internet versions are also available; however, infrastructure for widespread dissemination is still in development. | http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html |
| Programa de Manejo Personal de la Artritis | A Spanish version of the Arthritis Self-Help Program conducted by 2 Spanish-speaking leaders. Course is culturally adapted and delivered in Spanish (not translated). | http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs_spanish/asmpesp.html |
| Tomando Control de su Salud | A culturally adapted Spanish language version of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program conducted by 2 Spanish-speaking leaders who follow a standardized curriculum. Persons with a variety of chronic conditions, including arthritis, attend together. | http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs_spanish/tomando.html |
| Physical Activity | ||
| Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program | A nonaquatic group exercise class that includes aerobic (moderate intensity), muscle-strengthening, balance, and flexibility exercises. Classes meet 2–3 times/wk for 1 h and are ongoing or time limited (8–12 wk). Trained instructors select approximately 25 exercises from a menu of more than 90 for each session. The class can accommodate persons with varying functional levels; exercise can be adapted to be done sitting, standing, or lying down. | http://www.arthritis.org/af-exercise-program.php. Formerly known as People With Arthritis Can Exercise. |
| Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program | A warm water pool exercise class developed specifically for people with arthritis. Group classes are offered 2–3 d per wk for 1 h and may be ongoing or time limited (8–12-wk sessions). Instructors complete a training course, are CPR certified, and typically hold water rescue or lifesaving certification. Participants do not need to know how to swim; all exercises are done in chest-deep water. | http://www.arthritis.org/aquatic-program.php |
| Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease | A 6-wk walking program developed for sedentary adults with arthritis or other chronic conditions offered in 2 formats: traditional small group and self-directed. A trained instructor leads group sessions, which can be done indoors or outdoors. Group walks start with a short education topic and 10–40 min of walking, including a warm-up and cool-down period. A structured workbook, derived from behavioral change theory, guides self-directed participants to develop a safe and individualized walking program. | http://www.arthritis.org/walk-with-ease.php |
| EnhanceFitness | An ongoing small group exercise class developed for older adults (not specifically for people with arthritis). A rheumatologist and physical therapist have reviewed the exercises, and exercises are considered arthritis appropriate. Classes are offered 3 d/wk for 1 h and include conditioning, strengthening, balance, and flexibility exercises. Exercises can be done sitting or standing and can accommodate various functional levels. Periodic fitness assessments are used to assess participant progress. | http://www.projectenhance.org/admin_enhancefitness.html. Formerly known as Lifetime Fitness. |
| Fit and Strong! | Designed specifically for adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis, this small group exercise program includes 1 h of conditioning (aerobic walking) and strengthening exercise and 30 min of arthritis education. Certified exercise instructors lead classes, which are offered 3 times/wk. | http://www.fitandstrong.org |
| Active Living Every Day | A 12–20-wk group behavioral change program designed to teach participants how to identify and overcome barriers to physical activity, goal setting, and so on. Hr-long classes are conducted wkly and led by trained facilitators following a lesson plan. No exercise is done in class; participants learn how to incorporate physical activity into their daily lifestyle. | http://www.activeliving.info |
Note. CPR = cardiopulmonary resuscitation.