As a collaborating center in the CDC PRC Arthritis Management and Wellbeing Research Network, Dr. Pellegrini and her team will conduct research to improve the quality of life for people living with arthritis. The DREAM (Dose Response of Exercise for Arthritis Management) project will examine the dose-response relationship between physical activity and health outcomes in adults with arthritis by evaluating the effectiveness of three different doses (45 minutes, 90 minutes, and 150 minutes per week) of physical activity for managing arthritis symptoms. The study will also explore whether these doses have differential effects on momentary arthritis-related symptoms. Study findings will provide insight into whether engaging in activity below physical activity guidelines has beneficial effects on arthritis-related outcomes.

The study aims of DREAM are to:

• Examine the effect of 3 doses of MVPA (45 min/week, 90 min/week, and 150 min/week) on arthritis-attributable outcomes (e.g., physical function [primary], health-related quality of life, pain, and depression symptoms) in adults with arthritis at 6 and 12 months.
• Examine the between-group differences in momentary levels of fatigue, pain, depressive symptoms, confidence, and happiness after engaging in MVPA using EMA at 6 months.