Physical activity and self-management education programs that have been proven to benefit people with arthritis include:

Arthritis Foundation, Arthritis Self Help Course is an effective self-management education intervention for people with arthritis. The 6-week course consists of weekly 2-hour sessions guided by two trained instructors who help people learn and practice the different skills needed to build an individualized self-management program and gain the confidence to carry it out. Participants report a 20% decrease in pain and a 40% decrease in physician visits, even 4 years after course participation

Arthritis Foundation, Exercise Program is community-based recreational exercise program taught by trained instructors who cover a variety of range-of-motion and endurance-building activities, relaxation techniques, and health education topics. All of the exercises can be modified to meet participant needs. The program's demonstrated benefits include improved functional ability, decreased depression, and increased confidence in one's ability to exercise. Classes typically meet two or three times per week.

Arthritis Foundation, Aquatics Program is a water exercise program created by the Arthritis Foundation for people with arthritis and related conditions. The classes are conducted by a trained instructor and are designed to improve flexibility, joint range of motion, endurance, strength, and daily function and to decrease pain. The classes typically meet two or three times per week for 1 hour.

Chronic Disease Self Management Program (CDSMP) is an effective self-management program for people with chronic health problems. The program specifically addresses arthritis, diabetes, and lung and heart disease, but teaches skills useful for managing a variety of chronic diseases. CDSMP workshops  are given for 2 1/2  hours, once a week, for six weeks, in community settings. Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders and covers topics such as: techniques to deal with problems associated with chronic disease, appropriate exercise, appropriate use of medications, communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, nutrition, and how to evaluate new treatments.  Participants who took CDSMP demonstrated significant improvements in exercise, communication with physicians, self-reported general health, health distress, fatigue, disability, and social/role activities limitations.

CAPP is piloting the implementation of CDSMP with Sierra Nevada Community Health Plan in Grass Valley, California. Lessons learned from this implementation will guide program expansion throughout California.

California Arthritis Partnership Program (CAPP)
Pamela Ford-Keach, M.S., Chief
Post Office Box 997413
Mail Station 7210
Sacramento, CA 95899-7413
Phone (916) 552-9916
Fax (916) 522-9910
Internet: www.dhs.ca.gov/arthritis

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