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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Barbara L. Braun, PhD¹, David L. Parker, MD, MPH², Lisa M. Harvey, MPH³, Joan M. Bissen, RD⁴, Christine N. Melko, MPH³, and Min Xi, PhD¹. (1) Health Research Center, Park Nicollet Institute, 3800 Park Nicollet Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416, 952 993 1885, Braunb@parknicollet.com, (2) HealthSource and Occupational Medicine, Park Nicollet Institute and Park Nicollet Health Services, 3800 Park Nicollet Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416, (3) Health Education Center, Park Nicollet Institute, 3800 Park Nicollet Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416, (4) Professional Education, Park Nicollet Institute, 3800 Park Nicollet Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416

Background: The American's with Disabilities Act affords protection against discrimination for disabilities. Arthritis symptoms can preclude participation in traditional weight management and physical activity programs but arthritis progresses with obesity and inactivity. We evaluated two arthritis-friendly interventions focused on weight management and physical activity promotion. Methods: From October 2004 to January 2005, 201 Park Nicollet Health System patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 264 with osteoarthritis reporting daily pain and arthritis problems were randomized into a 12-month coach-supported intervention (four motivational interviewing coaching sessions with telephone support) or 12-month self-directed intervention (three brief appointments). All participants were encouraged to select personal goals and strategies to promote healthy eating and physical activity; all received a monthly newsletter. Results: At six months, retention was 79%. Although 75% of participants were overweight or obese at baseline, 48% of coach-supported and 35% self-directed participants lost at least two pounds by 6 months; average weight loss was seven pounds. 22% of coach-supported and 31% of self-directed participants gained at least two pounds. While 55% of all participants increased days/week of exercise, more coach-supported participants reached four days/week (66%) than self-directed participants (56%). Conclusion: Both groups were successful at six months managing weight and increasing physical activity. The coach-supported group was more successful. At six months, both interventions can be recommended for implementation. 12-month results, including dietary patterns, will be reported. Discussion will focus on modifications and implementation strategies for adapting traditional weight management and physical activity programs for people with disabling arthritis.

Learning Objectives:

• • Recognize characteristics of successful programs for weight management and physical activity promotion among people with disabling arthritis
• • Identify key strategies for adapting traditional physical activity and weight management programs for people with disabling arthritis
• • Discuss measures of success in weight management and physical activity promotion among people with arthritis

Keywords: Nutrition, Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No