Active Living Program News


CDC funds arthritis study to implement Active Living Every Day

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a $150,000 one-year grant to the Thurston Arthritis Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study the effectiveness of the Active Living Every Day course among people with arthritis.

Research indicates that physical activity is beneficial for people with or without arthritis. It improves cardiovascular fitness, increases stamina and energy, and encourages positive attitudes. Physical activity has been shown to help relieve pain and increase function in people with arthritis. The Thurston Arthritis Center and the CDC hope to gather scientific data proving that the Active Living Every Day course benefits people with arthritis in the following ways:
  • Improved ability to perform everyday activities
  • Diminished arthritis-related disability
  • Relief of minor pain
  • Increased self-efficacy
Although people with arthritis usually benefit from increased physical activity, they are often intimidated by traditional fitness programs. Dr. Jennie Hootman of the CDC believes that Active Living Every Day’s emphasis on gradual lifestyle change, brief activity interspersed throughout the day, and applicability to people of all fitness levels will appeal to people with arthritis.

Dr. Leigh Callahan of the Thurston Arthritis Center says they plan to provide the Active Living Every Day course to approximately 350 to 400 people throughout the state of North Carolina. The study will include people with various types of arthritis as well as people with fibromyalgia. Agencies interested in arthritis, aging, and health, including 13 of the state’s area councils on aging, will deliver the Active Living Every Day course. Working through the councils will allow Thurston to study the effectiveness of Active Living Every Day in a variety of populations and settings.

Drs. Hootman and Callahan identified several factors that set Active Living Every Day apart from other programs and offer promise for people with arthritis. These include high-quality facilitator training, the program’s behavior change focus and realistic approach, and the availability of flexible delivery options.

Active Living Every Day was developed by Human Kinetics Publishers and The Cooper Institute. The program is based on The Cooper Institute’s groundbreaking study Project Active, and it is currently being implemented in a number of settings, including YMCAs, health clubs, community health departments, hospitals, and worksites. For more information, contact Michelle Maloney at 800-747-4457, ext. 2522, or michellem@hkusa.com.





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