Help Arthritis With Exercise in West Virginia

Arthritis Benefits of a Physical Activity Program in West Virginia: Evaluation of EnhanceFitness

The purpose of this project is to determine if an evidence-based, community-delivered physical activity program, EnhanceFitness, yields benefits for participants with arthritis. The 3-year project will: 1) conduct a meta-analysis of community-based exercise programs for adults, 2) implement and evaluate the EnhanceFitness program in West Virginia using a randomized, controlled (wait list) design, and 3) disseminate the results to community and public health partners. It is anticipated that participation in the EnhanceFitness program will result in reduced pain, improved physical function and physical activity levels for adults with arthritis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 and older
• Any type of self-reported, doctor-diagnosed arthritis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any co-existing conditions where exercise is a contraindicated
• Impaired cognitive status
• Non-ambulatory