FUNDING SOURCE: CDC, 2021-2024

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:

• Christine Pellegrini, PhD

CO-INVESTIGATOR:

• Sara Wilcox, PhD

This randomized control trial aims to evaluate a phone-based version of the Walk With Ease program in adults with arthritis. It will examine the short-term (6-weeks and 6 months) and long-term (1 year) effects of Walk With Ease intervention delivered by telephone, Walk With Ease by Telephone (WWE-T). Participants will be randomized to either start the 6-week program immediately or after one year. WWE-T is adapted from the original 6-week community-based group walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation for adults with arthritis. The phone-based program will include 2 phone calls each week with a trained Walk With Ease Leader for 6 weeks. Assessments will be completed at the start of the study, and at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. Outcomes to be examined include pain, function, physical activity, depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, work loss, and healthcare utilization.

This project is conducted in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s SNAP-Ed Program and the South Carolina Department on Aging.

To read the award announcement, please visit the Arnold School of Public Health website.

To learn more about enrolling in the study, please visit: https://uofscwalkingstudy.com/.

PUBLICATIONS:

Pellegrini, C. A., Wilcox, S., DeVivo, K. E., & Jamieson, S. (2023). Recruitment and retention strategies for underrepresented populations and adults with arthritis in behavioral interventions: a scoping review. Arthritis Care & Research, 10.1002/acr.25098. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.25098
DOI: 10.1002/acr.25098
Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36752353/