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National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Division of Adult and Community Health
Health Care and Aging Studies Branch
Arthritis Program
Mailstop K-51
4770 Buford Highway NE
Atlanta, GA 30341-3724
Phone: 770.488.5464
Fax: 770.488.5964
Email Us |
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CDC-Funded Science
Factors Influencing Physical Activity in People with Arthritis
Funding Number
S2109-22/22
Project Description
Exercise or physical activity has well-documented benefits in
arthritis management, but many people with arthritis have difficulty
starting or continuing an exercise program. This research was designed
to identify factors which help people become a successful exerciser, as
well as factors that make it difficult for a person with arthritis to
start or continue exercising. The research also identified outcomes of
physical activity or exercise that are meaningful to people with
arthritis. Twelve focus groups, made up of Caucasian and African
American adults with arthritis, were convened in Columbia, South
Carolina.
Key Findings
- Exercisers and non-exercisers identified many of the same
physical, psychological, social and environmental barriers to
exercise (i.e., pain, fatigue, limited mobility, lack of time,
motivation, lack of exercise partner, weather conditions).
- More non-exercisers reported cost, lack of transportation, and
lack of information as barriers.
- Exercisers were more likely to accommodate their physical
limitations and less likely to allow barriers to prevent exercise
all together.
- Exercisers had experienced benefit from their exercise, and had
positive support from the people around them; non-exercisers hoped
for benefits and support, but had not yet experienced them.
Abstracts, Publications, Presentations
- Wilcox S, Der Ananian C, Sharpe PA, Robbins J, Brady, T.
Correlates of Physical Activity in Persons with Arthritis: Review
and Recommendations. Journal of Physical Activity and Health 2005,
2 (2): 230-252.
- DerAnanian CA, Vrazel J, Wilcox S, Abbott J, Ramsey C, Sharpe P.
(2005). Perceived benefits and enablers of exercise among people
with arthritis. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise,
37(5):1. S258.
Principal Investigator
Sara Wilcox, Ph.D.
University of South Carolina
swilcox@sc.edu
Back to Funded Science
Page last reviewed: June 4, 2008
Page last modified: July 3, 2006
Content Source: Division of
Adult and Community Health,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion |
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