Impact of an Asian community bone health initiative: A community-based exercise program in New York city

Background: The Asian older adult population in NYC has grown by 64% from 2000 to 2010 and as of 2010, 25% of them lived in poverty. This population is at risk for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. To address this, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) developed the Asian Community Bone Health Initiative comprised of education and exercises classes. Four sessions of the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) were conducted by bilingual instructors at three Chinatown senior centers. Methods: This study assesses the impact of participation in the AFEP on self-reported pain, falls and level of physical activity, based on responses to a bilingual (English/Chinese) pre/post-test survey of 63 participants. The Numeric Pain Intensity Scale quantified the intensity of muscle/joint pain. Independent samples t-tests measured changes in mean pain intensity. Chi square tests compared stiff/fatigue levels and pain frequency. Results: Nearly all respondents were female and ages 65+. The proportion of respondents who reported pain decreased (83.6% to 62.3%, p <= 0.01). Statistically significant differences (p <= 0.001) were found in mean pain intensity (6.0 to 4.4). Results also showed significant reduction in stiffness and fatigue levels (p <= 0.05), with 91.5% stating that they were less stiff and 88.9% less fatigued since participating in the classes. Conclusion: Results indicate the AFEP has a positive impact on the health of the Asian senior population with musculoskeletal conditions. While further research is needed, HSS will continue to offer culturally-sensitive programs to this community to help seniors stay active, decrease pain and improve overall health.