Table 2.
Themes Emerging from Participant Testimonials and Feedback in the AFEP + “10 Keys”™ Program
| Theme | Illustrative Quotes |
|---|---|
| All AFEP participants | |
| Improved function | “I was suffering from severe arthritis in my shoulders and upper muscle in my arms. In the morning my pain was so great I could not remove my quilt to get out of bed. Since I have been taking this arthritis class I have improved immensely with little or no pain.” “I feel 100% better since starting the program. Much more range of motion, easier to climb stairs, much easier to pick up dropped objects. Sense of balance is better although I need much more work on this! Overall, excellent program!” “Since joining our class I am so much more flexible. I can move more easily & the pain has diminished.” |
| I could do it | “Was very helpful for me. I could do most of the exercises even though I’m 90 years old.” “Exercise are low impact and manageable.” “It got me back to basic every day. Doable exercises.” |
| Socialization | “This program motivated me to get out and move during the winter months… [The] best part was meeting some wonderful people and making new friends.” “The social aspect was wonderful. We laughed and interacted so much, the exercise time just zipped by.” “This program gets me out of my apartment and I meet very nice people.” “It was great exercising with a group and I looked forward to exercising every week.” |
| AFEP + “10 Keys”™ participants | |
| Disease prevention knowledge | “It made me realize how important it is to keep check on health, like doing exercises, checking with doctor on blood work, and immunization tests. Knowing the effects of my medications, how important diet is, and monitoring my blood pressure.” “I learned a lot about high blood pressure, sodium, how many products have sodium, osteoporosis – painful, no warning. Keep active and walk as far as you can and do little more each day. Exercise even in the winter.” “Made me aware of [the] importance of drinking more water, the importance of social contact, and the importance of watching [my] blood pressure.” |
| Preventive action | “Decided to add more time to my exercise program. Cut down on salt. Got tetanus shot from GP.” “Since I have been taking the class I have been paying more attention to my diet consuming less sugar. When I go shopping I do pay attention [to] what I am buying and take time to see what is in the product. I never paid too much attention before.” “Made the decision to get a bone density test.” “It is beginning to make me take charge of my diet decisions. Being diabetic I already know what to do but I don’t do everything I need to do.” |
Abbreviation: AFEP, Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program.