Addressing Chronic Disease Through Virtual Program Delivery (2022)

RELEVANCE

A lack of proper physical activity can lead to chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. In Delaware, 34 percent of adults are obese and fewer than a quarter meet the national Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. But many adults find physical activity difficult or painful; One-quarter of them have been diagnosed with arthritis, with 13 percent reporting that arthritis limits their activities.

RESPONSE

The Walk With Ease program is an evidence-based fitness program sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation. Walk With Ease is proven to:

• Reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis.
• Increase balance, strength and walking pace.
• Build confidence in one’s ability to be physically active.
• Improve overall health.

For six weeks, participants joined either live virtual education sessions once per week (in English) or participated in a self-paced email series (available in English or Spanish) and participated in self-directed physical activity sessions at least three times per week. In addition, participants received weekly guidebook reading assignments, email support and additional resources.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven people participated in the 2022 Walk With Ease program. Of those surveyed after the program:

• 79% said their health was good, very good or excellent.
• 74% were physically active at least two or more days per week.
• 68% were physically active for 11 to 30 minutes on those two or more days.
• 100% increased their knowledge about physical activity and walking.
• 100% plan to continue their physical activity routine as a result of the Walk With Ease program.
• 100% would recommend Walk With Ease to a friend, family member or co-worker.
• 100% indicated they used the Walk With Ease participant guidebook and will refer to the emails or handouts in the future.
• 100% were happy with the Walk With Ease program overall.

Several participants added notes, sharing their post-program accomplishments in physical activity, with one participant having begun a weekly chair pilates class and another now able to use a foot cycle.

PUBLIC VALUE STATEMENT

Walk With Ease addresses chronic disease in Delaware by providing individuals with the knowledge and support they need to begin and maintain a cost-effective, basic introductory fitness program. It is also a low-cost, effective program for employers to offer their employees.

FUNDING SOURCE / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Walk With Ease at Work program is funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed). Walk logs (English and Spanish), pencils and post-program incentive items are funded with a grant from the American Lung Association. The Arthritis Foundation, Oregon State University Extension and South Dakota State University Extension helped create six short videos to accompany the self-paced email series.