Falls Prevention in Action: A Vendor Showcase - Walk with Ease (Live)-Handout: Walk with Ease

Handout: Walk with Ease

Pdf Summary

The document outlines the "Walk With Ease" program designed to help adults with arthritis improve physical activity safely and comfortably. Arthritis, affecting over 58.5 million US adults and being the leading cause of disability, limits daily activities like walking and stair climbing. It includes over 100 conditions such as osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.<br /><br />Common barriers to physical activity for this population include lack of time, motivation, energy, social support, fear of injury, skills, costs, and weather.<br /><br />Walk With Ease is an evidence-based program, rigorously tested and peer-reviewed, showing benefits such as reduced arthritis pain, increased balance, strength, walking pace, confidence, and overall health. It is offered in three formats: group-led, self-directed, and enhanced self-directed, accommodating a range of fitness levels and arthritis severity. The program lasts six weeks with a structured walking plan incorporating warm-up, stretching, walking, and cool-down segments, following the FITT principles (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type).<br /><br />Participants set goals via a walking contract, keep a diary for self-monitoring, and receive encouragement and rewards. Leader training is available online with CPR certification required, facilitated by national and state organizations.<br /><br />Program materials include a guidebook (print, ebook, audiobook), adaptability guides for inclusive participation (addressing hearing, vision, mobility disabilities), and a self-directed enhanced toolkit available in English and Spanish, featuring email scripts and videos.<br /><br />Recruitment utilizes websites, social media, emails, and flyers in multiple languages. Challenges include time commitments, training costs, and logistical concerns like location and weather.<br /><br />Support is offered through a helpline providing disease education, insurance interpretation, community connection, and volunteer opportunities to sustain engagement and improve quality of life for people with arthritis.

Keywords

Walk With Ease

arthritis

physical activity

osteoporosis

gout

rheumatoid arthritis

evidence-based program

walking plan

FIT principles

self-monitoring