Fit & Strong!
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
Fit & Strong! is an exercise program for older adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis. The eight week program improves functional and physical activity among individuals with osteoarthritis, a known risk factor for future disability. Classes across the nation are instructed by certified exercise instructors or licensed physical therapists that have been trained in Fit & Strong programming. The program uses flexibility exercises, strength training, and aerobic walking to increase aerobic capacity and improve lower extremity stiffness, pain, and strength. The program also includes health education for sustained behavioral change to increase older adults’ participation in exercise and caloric expenditure.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the Fit and Strong! program is to improve function among older adults with osteoarthritis.
Results / Accomplishments
In a randomized controlled trial, those in the Fit and Strong! intervention group had statically significant improvements in their lower extremity stiffness, exercise levels, and confidence in their ability to exercise with arthritis when compared to a control group at the end of the two month program. The same benefits were maintained at a 6-month follow-up. In addition, participants reported a significant decrease in lower extremity joint pain, increased confidence in their ability to adhere to exercise over time, and increased confidence in their ability to manage arthritis pain. Participants maintained a 56% increase in physical activity participation relative to their baseline at the 12-month follow-up, and had significant reductions in lower extremity stiffness and pain.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Research on Health and Aging
Primary Contact
Fit & Strong! Team
University of Illinois at Chicago
Institute for Health Research and Policy
Center for Research on Health and Aging, M/C 275
1747 W. Roosevelt Rd., Rm. 558
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 413-9810
http://www.fitandstrong.org/
University of Illinois at Chicago
Institute for Health Research and Policy
Center for Research on Health and Aging, M/C 275
1747 W. Roosevelt Rd., Rm. 558
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 413-9810
http://www.fitandstrong.org/
Topics
Health / Older Adults
Health / Other Conditions
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Other Conditions
Health / Physical Activity
Organization(s)
University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Research on Health and Aging
Date of publication
2006
Date of implementation
2001
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Older Adults