Recorded presentation

Susan L. Hughes, DSW, Rachel B. Seymour, MS, Thomas R. Prohaska, PhD, Gail M. Huber, MHPE, PT, and Pankaja Desai, MSW, MPH. Center for Research on Health and Aging, University of Illinois at Chicago, 850 W. Jackson (M/C 275), Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60607, 312-996-1473, shughes@uic.edu

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common condition affecting older people today, and the leading cause of disability among older people. We have recently reported promising 2 and 6-month outcomes from a randomized trial of a multi-component exercise intervention targeted at older adults (N =217) with lower extremity OA. Fit and Strong coupled strength training and aerobic walking with health education for sustained behavior change. Importantly, the average adherence rate among treatment group participants at six months was twice that reported by controls’ (Hughes et al., in press). A follow-up study is using a multi-site randomized controlled clinical trial to replicate Fit and Strong and test the comparative effectiveness of a negotiated/tailored follow-up maintenance strategy vs. a mainstreaming, facility-based maintenance strategy, both of which will be tested with and without telephone reinforcement as an enhancement. All enrolled participants (N=600) will participate in the 8-week Fit and Strong exercise program. Prior to the conclusion of Fit and Strong participants will be randomly assigned to one of two follow-up maintenance groups. A conceptual model detailing the antecedent (demographic, disease, health characteristics), mediating (decisional balance, self-efficacy for exercise and exercise adherence), and proximal outcome (self-reported and observed functional status and performance measures) variables impacting long-term adherence to exercise will be presented along with recruitment/enrollment strategies and experience to date.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe a conceptual model of long-term adherence to exercise to be tested in this study.
• Discuss the pros and cons of various recruitment and enrollment strategies utilized by a city-wide, multi-site trial designed to attract diverse and previously sedentary older adults with lower-extremity OA.

Keywords: Adherence, Exercise

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.

Recorded presentation