Arthritis Foundation Exercise and Aquatic Programs

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Arthritis Foundation Exercise and Aquatic
Programs
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Arthritis

• The term arthritis literally means inflammation
  of a joint but is used to refer to over 100
  rheumatic diseases that are characterized by
  problems in and around joints.

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Demographics

• In 2005- 66 million (nearly 1 in 3 adults) in
  America have doctor-diagnosed arthritis or
  chronic joint symptoms.
• Overall, women are affected more often than men.
• Arthritis is the most prevalent chronic health
  problem
• The leading cause of disability among Americans
  over the age of 15.
• Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a
  cause of work disability.
• Half of Americans with arthritis dont think
  that anything can be done to help them.

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Target Audience

• There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis.
• Symptoms and severity may vary greatly.
• Periods of lessening and worsening symptoms.
• Some class members may use a wheelchair, others
  may prefer to sit for exercise, others may be
  able to stand up and do floor exercises.
• People in class will change and improve.
• 
  

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History of the Arthritis Foundation Programs

• Developed 1986
• Community-based, non-clinical program, designed
  to promote social and mental well-being
• Does NOT replace prescribed regimen of
  therapeutic exercise

• Revised 1987, 1993, 1999
• Name change in 2005 with additional exercise
  routines.

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Goals of the Program (general)

• To provide participant with an enjoyable, safe
  exercise program.
• To improve self-image and self-esteem through
  increased physical well-being.
• To encourage positive social interaction among
  participants.
• To decrease stress, depression and isolation.
• To maintain or improve certain physical
  parameters.
• To improve performance of daily activities.
• To increase participants awareness of arthritis
  exercise principles, joint protection principles,
  and relaxation techniques and provide
  participants with methods for incorporating these
  self-care skills into the home environment.

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Outcomes from the Arthritis Foundation Programs

• Increased Frequency of exercise
• Increased frequency of relaxation
• Decreased pain
• Increased self-efficacy

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Three Types of Exercise

• Range of Motion- To help maintain normal joint
  movement, relieve stiffness and improve
  flexibility.
• Strengthening- To maintain or increase strength.
• Endurance- To help strengthen the heart, and
  improve overall stamina and fitness.

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Specific Physical Goals...

• To relieve stiffness, pain, fatigue
• To restore or maintain joint ROM
• To increase flexibility of the structures
  surrounding the joint
• To increase or maintain muscle strength
• To improve posture
• To improve balance and coordination
• To increase endurance

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Program Components

• ROM exercises
• Strengthening
• Endurance
• Weight-bearing
• Balance and Coordination
• Posture and Body Mechanics
• Body Awareness
• Breathing exercises
• Relaxation
• Health Education
• Practical tips
• Movement Activities
• Promote Self-Care Self-Esteem

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Lets M-O- V-E
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You Can!Steps to Healthier Aging
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You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging

• In the past, exercise generally has been
  considered inappropriate for frail or very aged
  older individuals. The past decade has seen an
  accumulation of data that dispels the myths of
  futility and now provides reassurance of the
  safety of exercise.
• Position Stand Exercise Physical Activity for
  Older Adults, 1998
• American Academy of Sports Medicine

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Modifiable Risk Factors for Oregon Older Adults,
2001
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You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging

• Designed for congregate meal sites senior
  centers
• 20-30 minute lesson plans for 12 weeks
• Tips Tasks sheets to take home
• National network sharing

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You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging

• Requirements
• Program facilitator or leader
• Additional volunteers
• Small budget for step counters, demonstration
  foods, duplication
• Identified places for older adults to walk

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You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging

• Additional Factors for Success
• Reminder system
• Set of group goals
• Calendar with class schedule special events
• Link with Farmers Market
• Use students
• Share individual successes
• Avoid mid-day heat

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You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging

• Evidence
• Initial Pilot Study
• 80 successfully wore step counters kept
  regular logs
• 10 Grant-Funded Sites PA, CA, OK, MI, IL, FL,
  MA, WI, VA, WA
• Varying income, ethnicity, live-alone, ages,
  urban/rural
• Programs offered at senior centers, meal
  programs, recreation centers, community centers

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You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging

• Significant Outcomes
• ? daily intake of fruits, vegetables,
  calcium-rich fiber-rich foods, fluids
• ?stage of change for healthy eating physical
  activity
• Average 33 increase in number of daily steps
• ? pace, stairs climbed, blocks walked, days
  active
• ? time sitting down
• ? Timed Up and Go

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You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging

• Sign up as a partner to receive free program
  guide and materials at
• www.aoa.gov/youcan

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You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging

• Jennifer Mead
• Health Promotion/Disease Prevention
• DHS Seniors People with Disabilities
• 971-673-1035 or 503-945-6412
• jennifer.mead_at_state.or.us