Phone-Based Based Walk With Ease Program for Adults With Arthritis

Evaluating Alternative Delivery Models for Arthritis Self-management Interventions

The objective of this study is to examine the short-term (6-weeks and 6 months) and long-term (1 year) effects of a phone-based version of Walk With Ease intervention.

Participants will be randomized to either start the 6-week program immediately or after one year. Our Walk with Ease by Telephone (WWE-T) program is adapted from the original 6-week community-based group walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation for adults with arthritis. The phone-based program will include 2 phone calls each week with a trained Walk With Ease Leader for 6 weeks. Assessments will be completed before at the start of the study, 6 weeks, 6 months and at 12 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• told by a doctor or other health professional that you have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, fibromyalgia
• able to read and write in English
• plan to live in the Columbia, SC region for next year
• willing to be randomized to either group
• complete all baseline measure

Exclusion Criteria:

• contraindications to exercise (besides arthritis)
• are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant in the next year
• have a serious cognitive impairment