Evaluation of Remotely Delivered Versus In-person Enhance®Fitness for Arthritis

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Funding Number
SIP 21-003

Project Description

Enhance®Fitness (EF), managed by Sound Generations, is a community-based physical activity program proven to increase strength, boost activity levels, and elevate mood. The program focuses on stretching, flexibility, balance, low-impact aerobics, and strength-training exercises. EF has been identified by the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance and recognized by CDC as an arthritis-appropriate, evidence-based program. The program has been shown to improve physical function, decrease depression, promote a physically active lifestyle, and reduce the need for medical care. Preliminary data suggest that remotely delivered, Livestream EF (tele-EF) is feasible and acceptable among older adults with  arthritis, but it is unclear if tele-EF produces similar benefits to in-person EF (read more here). This study evaluated the effectiveness of tele-EF versus in-person EF among adults with arthritis.

Project Objectives

  1. Conduct a review to identify best practices and recommendations for recruiting and retaining participants in exercise programs, with a particular focus on hard-to-reach populations, including persons with low socioeconomic status and those living in rural areas.
  2. Evaluate the effectiveness of tele-EF versus in-person EF among adults with arthritis.
  3. Review and consolidate existing resources to develop a toolkit for YMCA sites to implement tele-EF and engage the arthritis population.

Principal Investigator
Kushang Patel, PhD, MPH
University of Washington
kvpatel@uw.edu

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