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.

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/