Effectiveness of a Telephone-Delivered Walk With Ease Program on Arthritis-Related Symptoms, Function, and Activity: A Randomized Trial.

Abstract

Objective: Walk With Ease (WWE) is a 6-week arthritis-appropriate evidence-based physical activity program traditionally offered in a face-to-face format. As many populations encounter participation barriers to in-person programs, WWE was modified for telephone delivery (WWE-T). The short- and long-term effects of this program on physical activity and arthritis-related outcomes were examined.

Methods: Participants (n=267) with arthritis were randomized to WWE-T or waitlist control. WWE-T participants received 2 telephone calls/week (1 group and 1 individual call) for 6 weeks. Group calls focused on arthritis education and social support. Individual calls focused on problem solving and goal setting. Physical function tests, patient-reported outcomes, and physical activity were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months.

Results: Participants were 92% female, 60% Black, 64.1±9.4 years with a BMI of 34.2±7.7 kg/m². Retention ranged from 93.6% at 6 weeks to 83.8% at 12 months. Participants attended 9.8±2.6 calls. At 6 weeks, WWE-T participants had greater improvements in physical function (p=0.03), fatigue (p=0.03), self-efficacy (p≤0.0001), and activity impairment due to health (p=0.01) as compared to the control. By 12 months, WWE-T participants had better physical function (p=0.02), higher arthritis self-efficacy (p≤0.0001), lower depression symptoms (p=0.02), and lower impairment of daily activities (p=0.02) than at baseline.

Conclusion: A telephone-delivered WWE program led to improvements in physical function, self-efficacy, and impairment related to daily activities in adults with arthritis. Although changes were not seen in all outcomes, this remotely-delivered program may be an effective alternative for adults with arthritis who face barriers to in-person programs.