Walk With Ease UK: A Feasibility Study for Adults with Arthritis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility study for Walk With Ease UK – a community-based walking programme for adults with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.
IRAS ID
227263
Contact name
Kathryn R Martin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 10 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Taking part in regular physical activity is important because it is known to have many health benefits. Unfortunately people with arthritis or musculoskeletal conditions are often less physically active than those without, as it can be more difficult for them to be active in their daily life. Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions are conditions which affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones, and includes rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, gout, and back pain.
Walking is safe, easy, cheap and acceptable to people with arthritis or musculoskeletal conditions. At the moment no walking programme, specifically designed for people with arthritis or musculoskeletal conditions, has been researched in the United Kingdom (UK). Therefore, Arthritis Research UK has funded this study to trial a walking programme called ‘Walk With Ease’ for people with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions in the UK.
Walk With Ease (WWE) is a six-week community-based programme, developed by the Arthritis Foundation in the United States, and is offered in two separate formats: instructor-led (group) or self-directed. WWE has been shown to reduce arthritis-related symptoms such as pain, stiffness and fatigue (extreme tiredness), as well as improve physical function.
We will recruit up to 180 people with arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition across a large UK city (Aberdeen), with support from the Scottish Primary Care Research Network. Participants will either receive either the Walk With Ease programme or usual care.
The main goal of this study is to identify whether WWE is acceptable and helpful to people with arthritis or musculoskeletal conditions in the UK. The study will find ways to make sure the programme fits within existing UK health and social care settings. As WWE is a community-based programme, it could help to reduce arthritis-related health costs while supporting patients’ ability to manage their condition.
Summary of Results
Walk With Ease (WWE) is a popular walking programme in the United States. It was specially designed for people living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. Over six-weeks, participants follow a guidebook and can choose to walk by themselves or with an instructor-led group. Research evidence has shown that WWE increases time spent being physically active and improves arthritis symptoms. We wanted to bring WWE across the pond to explore whether it would be well-received and possible to conduct in the United Kingdom. We worked with community and patient partners to make sure the WWE materials made sense for a British audience and trained walk leaders. We recruited participants and asked them to complete physical assessment tests, surveys, and interviews both before and after the six-week walking programme. There were 149 participants who took part – most were older women – and 97 participants received the WWE programme. Almost all (99%) would recommend WWE to family and friends. They said, in the interviews, that the programme improved their motivation to be physically active, helped their mood, and social well-being. Their physical performance and arthritis symptoms also improved. WWE has great potential to improve health and well-being of people with arthritis in the UK.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
17/SS/0069
Date of REC Opinion
26 May 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion