The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42146

Susan L. Hughes, DSW¹, Rachel B. Seymour, MS¹, Gail M. Huber, MHPE, PT², Naomi Pollak, MS, PT³, and Leena Sharma, MD². (1) School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 850 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 400 (MC 275), Chicago, IL 60607, 312-996-1473, shughes@uic.edu, (2) Medical School, Northwestern University, 645 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611-2814, (3) School of Allied Health, Finch University of Health Sciences, 8852 North Kostner, Skokie, IL 60070

Lower extremity joint impairment is a known risk factor for future disability. This study seeks to assess whether an exercise/education intervention specifically designed for older persons with lower extremity osteoarthritis can delay disability onset. Specifically, this clinical trial randomly assigns eligible participants to treatment or control groups. The intervention consists of 24 exercise and education sessions held three times/week over 8 weeks followed by an individualized home based program. The exercise consists of lower extremity resistance training and aerobic walking and the education component uses group discussion and problem solving to address arthritis self care, overcoming exercise barriers, and ways to reinforce exercise adherence. Outcomes are assessed at 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Intermediate outcomes include arthritis management, exercise, and exercise adherence efficacy. Proximal outcomes include self-reported physical activity, timed stand, 6-minute walk and lower extremity functioning (WOMAC). Distal outcomes include increased functional ability and decreased disability. Preliminary 2 and 6 month GEE analyses have shown significant improvements in treatment group exercise adherence and performance measures. These findings along with preliminary 12-month outcomes will be presented and implications for design of exercise programs for older persons with OA will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

(
• describe strategies to promote adherence to exercise, and (
• identify appropriate outcomes for assessing both the short and long term impact of adherence to exercise among older adults.

Keywords: Exercise, Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.