Walking Clubs Research Articles

The Meaning of a Bushwalk with the Melbourne Women’s Walking Club, 1922–45

What drove a small group of Melbourne women to form Australia’s first women’s walking club in 1922? Building on Melissa Harper’s study of bushwalking’s explosion in popularity in the early twentieth century and drawing on the records of the Melbourne Women’s Walking Club (MWWC), this article asks what participation in the male-dominated pastime of organised bushwalking meant to women, both as a physical encounter with nature and as a form of community. MWWC members drew solace and excitement from spending time in natural spaces and held genuine affection for the places and wildlife they often fought to protect from development or destruction. For women, bushwalking could also represent a temporary and thrilling escape from domestic spaces and responsibilities, an avenue for close relationships with likeminded women, and an opportunity to experiment with new and feminist modes of dressing and behaving.

Impact of an After-School Club on Elementary Students’ and Staff Members’ Physical Activity Levels, Mood Levels, and Stress Levels

Guided by the conceptual framework of the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP), the purpose of this study was to determine if a walking club after school for teachers and students increased physical activity levels, reduced stress, and improved mood. The participants were 51 (67% male, 33% female) fourth- to eighth-grade students and eight staff members at a charter school in the Southwest United States, along with nine comparison teachers. They participated in an 8-week after-school walking/running club twice a week for 45 min. Participants wore a pedometer and completed validated instruments to assess stress levels and mood. Descriptive statistics were performed. Group differences were explored with t tests. Overall, the average number of steps during the 13 school days for students was 7,657 (SD = 2,661). The after-school program added an additional 2,585 (SD = 699) steps to their day. Staff members were less active at school with 5,896.33 (SD = 2,617) steps, but equally or more active in the after-school program with 3,063 (SD = 331) steps. The t-test results were significant, showing students and teachers reported less stress at the end of the program. Only staff members completed the mood instrument, and there were significantly more positive mood indicators and fewer negative mood indicators at the posttest. Comparison teachers had similar steps at school. Because the intervention group of teachers reported more stress at pretest, their decreased stress values were similar to the comparison teachers at posttest. Participating in an after-school walking/running club can increase daily physical activity, decrease stress levels, and improve overall mood, specifically, if teachers want to feel more interested and inspired and less distressed, irritable, and nervous.

Gender Differences In Sport And Physical Activity Participation In Children With Type 1 Diabetes

It is important for children, youth and young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to meet physical activity (PA) recommendations. Research focusing on sport participation and other forms of PA that are formally organized or not formally organized is limited, especially considering there may be gender differences in sport and PA participation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify gender differences in sport participation in children, youth and young adults with T1D. We further sought to explore the types of sports and PA that they engaged in and were most important to them, and whether these activities were formally organized. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 194 patients with T1D [14.27 years ±3.63; 96 (50.5%) female] who completed a PA and sport participation survey during their regularly scheduled pediatric endocrinology appointment. Survey data assessing number of sports played within the past year, the sport or PA that they participated in most and/or was the most important to them, and whether that sport or PA was organized by a school or community league were linked to their medical records for gender and age. RESULTS: Spearman’s rank order correlation tests indicated that there was not a statistically significant relationship between gender (females, n = 51, 53.1%; males, n = 59, 60.2%) and sport participation of at least one sport in the previous year, r(192) = .06, p = .407. For females, 8 (8.0%) participated in 3 or more sports while 15 (15.3%) of males participated in 3 or more sports. The most frequently reported sports or PA differed for genders. Walking was reported as most participated in and/or most important sport or PA for females (n = 11; opposed to 2 males) with 10 reported as not organized. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was no significant relationship between gender and sport participation, a strength of this study highlighted that the types of sports and PA that females and males participated in differed in organizational status. Practical implications of this study underscore the importance of understanding the types of sports and PA that children, youth and young adults with T1D participate in so that interventions can be tailored to support their preferences. Organized walking clubs or interventions may benefit female participants in the accruing of PA and management of T1D.

Accuracy of Wearable Devices for Estimating Energy Expenditure and Heart Rate During Golf

PURPOSE: This study examined the accuracy of the heart rate (HR) and energy expenditure (EE) measured by commercially available wearable devices during golf.METHODS: A total of 14 male golfers (24.0±4.06 years) participated in this study. Each participant wore five wearable devices (Apple Watch Series 2, AS; Fitbit Versa, FV; Polar V800, PV; Samsung Galaxy Watch Active, SA; and Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR, SWH) on the wrist in the laboratory and/or on a golf course. The criterion measures used to evaluate the accuracy of the HR and EE entailed a wireless heart rate monitor (Polar V800, Polar, Finland) and portable indirect gas analyzer (K4b2, COSMED, Italy). In the laboratory, the participants walked on a treadmill and swung golf clubs using seven iron. On the golf course, the participants played golf in nine holes.RESULTS: In the laboratory, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the HR in the five wearable devices was within 8% for walking and golf club swinging, excluding FV (12%). The MAPE in EE was within 15% for SA, AS, and PV when walking at a speed of 5.6 km/h on the treadmill, but the MAPE in golf club swinging were within 25%. On the golf courses, the HR in all wearable devices showed the MAPE of <5% but EE showed an error rate of <20%, excluding SWH (73%).CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that wearable devices might be used to monitor intensity and amount of exercise during golf.

A Fitness App for Monitoring Walking Behavior and Perception (Runkeeper): Mixed Methods Pilot Study

BackgroundPhysical activity has a strong positive impact on both physical and mental health, and public health interventions often encourage walking as a means to promote physical activity. Social connectivity, such as that among spouses, families, friends, and colleagues, highly influences physical activity. Although technology-based interventions have some influence on human behavior, they have not been fully implemented and evaluated for their influence on walking through social connectivity.ObjectiveWe aimed to pilot-test the organization of neighborhood walking clubs and use of a mobile app (Runkeeper) to encourage social connectedness and neighborhood cohesion, as well as to increase physical activity.MethodsWe used a convenience sampling method to recruit 46 adults from an urban location in Greater Boston, Massachusetts. We assigned participants to teams based on their geographic location and neighborhood and required them to use the app (Runkeeper). Participants completed 2 self-administered web-based surveys before and after the intervention period. The surveys included standard measures to evaluate physical activity, social connectedness, perceived social support, and neighborhood cohesion (Buckner Neighborhood Cohesion Scale) before and after the intervention. Following the intervention, we randomly selected 14 participants to participate in postintervention, in-depth phone interviews to gain an understanding of their experiences.ResultsThis study was approved by the institutional review board in June 2018 and funded in January 2018. Recruitment started in May 2019 and lasted for 2 months. Data were collected from July 2019 to January 2020. In this study, Runkeeper was of limited feasibility as an app for measuring physical activity or promoting social connectedness. Data from the app recorded sparse and uneven walking behaviors among the participants. Qualitative interviews revealed that users experienced difficulties in using the settings and features of the app. In the questionnaire, there was no change between pre-post assessments in walking minutes (b=−.79; 95% CI −4.0 to 2.4; P=.63) or miles (b=−.07; 95% CI −0.15 to 0.01; P=.09). We observed a pre-post increase in social connectedness and a decrease in neighborhood cohesion. Both quantitative and qualitative results indicated that the psychosocial aspects of walking motivated the participants and helped them relieve stress. Interview results showed that participants felt a greater virtual connection in their assigned groups and enhanced connections with friends and family members.ConclusionsOur study found that Runkeeper created a virtual connection among walking group members and its data sharing and ranking motivated walking. Participants felt that walking improved their mental health, helped to relieve stress, and made them feel more connected with friends or family members. In future studies, it will be important to use an app that integrates with a wearable physical activity device. There is also a need to develop and test intervention components that might be more effective in fostering neighborhood cohesion.

걷기 동호인이 경험하는 개인·공간적 의미와 가치 탐색

The purpose of this study is to explore the personal and spatial meanings experienced through walking based on the experiences of actors who regularly participate in walking movements in walking communities formed for the purpose of walking. For this, a case study, one of qualitative research methods, was applied. Participant observation and in-depth interview were conducted using the traditional case study approach to gain in-depth access to the experiences of subject actors in walking clubs. Participation observation was conducted by participating in regular walking movements of 41 walking clubs active in the D area, and a total of 11 study participants were selected from among the members of the club. The results obtained through this process are as follows. First, it is an experience of personal perception as a social being. The public value of the individual was formed, the opportunity for self-reflection was made, and the maintenance of spatiality was canceled with respect to the time spent walking while experiencing an abnormal life. Second, it is the spatial value and practice of walking. At the same time, the environment of the surrounding landscape was recognized as an important factor in walking practice. In addition, the identity of the pedestrian place was formed, and the opinion that walking tourism for urban regeneration should be made.

736-P: Diabetes Distress and Depression Are Reduced through Neighborhood Support in Peer Support Program in Shanghai

Depression and diabetes distress (DD) are both important features of diabetes in China, as in other countries. A study of Chinese adults with type-2 diabetes, e.g., found 42% prevalence of moderate/high levels of DD. Here we examine whether peer support may increase neighborhood support and whether changes in neighborhood support may be associated with changes in depression and DD in Shanghai. In extension of the Shanghai Integration Model that links specialty/hospital care with primary care, trained volunteer peer leaders (PL) implemented varied supportive activities in 9 Community Health Centers (CHCs). In addition to diabetes education, PLs led activities to increase sense of solidarity among participants, such as walking or dance clubs. Neighborhood support for diabetes management was measured by 8 items (e.g., “other people understand the importance of diabetes management”) in an evaluation sample of 1284 before and after 12 months’ PL activity. Research staff unaware of outcomes rated the number of PLs working from each CHC and the extent to which they led activities and contacted individuals. Combining these ratings, PL activity predicted increased neighborhood support (ß = 0.187, p < 0.001, controlling for baseline neighborhood support, gender, age, education, years with diabetes, and clustering within sites). Increases in neighborhood support in turn were associated with decreased DD and depression (partial correlations = -0.170 and -0.161, ps < 0.001, controlling for gender, etc., baseline neighborhood support and baseline DD and depression, respectively). Neighborhood support may be an important path through which peer support programs reduce DD and depression. Research suggests Chinese individuals with diabetes experience DD in culturally unique ways. Further research might examine how benefits of peer and neighborhood support for DD and depression may also reflect Chinese culture and suggest approaches to tailoring peer support for other cultures. Disclosure E.B. Fisher: Research Support; Self; Merck Foundation, Sanofi China. Y. Qian: None. P.Y. Tang: Research Support; Self; Merck Foundation. Y. Liu: None. M.M. Coufal: None. W. Jia: None. Funding Shanghai Municipal Grants (GWIV-3.1 to W.J.); Shanghai 6th People’s Hospital (YNLC201812 to Y.L.); Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (20194Y0141 to Y.L.); Merck Foundation; Sanofi China; Michigan Center for Diabetes Translational Research; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (P30DK092926)

Abstract P240: Discrimination Mediates the Adverse Effect of Neighborhood Problems on Cardiometabolic Risk Among Latino/a Adults

Introduction: Latino/as in the US on average present with low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and high body-mass index (BMI), putting them at higher risk for future cardiometabolic disease. Neighborhoods have been implicated, directly and indirectly, in poorer cardiometabolic health among ethnic minorities. US Latino/as often live in neighborhoods where they may not have access to engage in positive health behaviors, such as proper diet and physical activity. However, the mediating role of discrimination experienced in these neighborhoods has hardly been examined within the context of Latino/a cardiometabolic health. Methods: We analyzed data from the Texas City Stress and Health Study. Participants were self-identified Latino/a/Hispanic ( N = 500, 61.8% female, M age = 49.08, SD age = 15.80) who reported on their perceived experience of discrimination (higher scores reflecting more discrimination) and their perception of their neighborhood (higher scores reflecting more positive environment) validated survey measures. A trained phlebotomist drew blood in a clinic or in the participant’s home between 8 and 11 AM after fasting for HDL (mg/dL). Blood samples were centrifuged to obtain plasma, which was stored at –70°C until testing. All specimen were batch analyzed and read blind-coded. Additionally, they took clinical measures of participant’s height and weight, to calculate BMI (adjusted for sex). To estimate the mediating effect of discrimination through perception of neighborhood on cardiometabolic risk, path analysis with bootstrapped linear regression models were conducted. We conducted analyses unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex, education, and nativity. All analyses were conducted in the PROCESS macro in SPSS. Results: Participants on average had high HDL levels ( M mg/dL = 51.00, SD = 15.59). Males on average were overweight ( M BMI = 29.78, SD = 5.49) and females ( M BMI = 31.42, SD = 7.27) on average were obese. Bootstrapped estimates showed that perception of neighborhood fully mediated the effect of discrimination on HDL (b = -.43, SE = .18 p = .015) and BMI (b = .02, SE = .01, p = .023), unadjusted for covariates. Although the fully mediated model for BMI withstood adjustment for covariates, the model for HDL did not withstand adjustment. Conclusion: Discrimination accounts for the negative impact that neighborhood problems have on poor cardiometabolic health among adult Latino/as. Future research should examine how positive neighborhood interactions (e.g., walking clubs or playgroups) can mitigate the adverse effects on cardiometabolic health among this at-risk population.

The Associations Between Seven Different Types of Physical Activity and the Incidence of Fracture at Seven Sites in Healthy Postmenopausal UK Women.

ABSTRACTThere is a paucity of information on associations between specific types of physical activity and fracture risk at different sites in otherwise healthy postmenopausal women. Therefore, we examined risk of fracture at seven different sites associated with seven different types of physical activity in the population‐based prospective UK Million Women Study. A total of 371,279 postmenopausal women (mean age 59.8 years), rating their health as good or excellent and reporting participation in walking, cycling, gardening, doing housework, yoga, dance, and sports club activities, were followed for site‐specific incident fracture through record linkage to national databases on day‐case and overnight hospital admissions. Cox regression yielded adjusted relative risks (RRs) and, because of the large number of statistical tests done, 99% confidence intervals (CIs) for fracture at seven different sites in relation to seven different physical activities. During an average follow‐up of 12 years, numbers with a first site‐specific fracture were as follows: humerus (2341), forearm (1238), wrist (7358), hip (4354), femur (not neck) (617), lower leg (1184), and ankle (3629). For upper limb fractures there was significant heterogeneity across the seven activity types (test for heterogeneity p = 0.004), with gardening more than 1 hour/week associated with a lower risk (RR = 0.91; 99% CI, 0.86 to 0.96; p < 0.0001), whereas cycling more than 1 hour/week was associated with an increased risk (RR = 1.11; 99% CI, 1.00 to 1.23; p = 0.008). For fractures of the lower limb (including hip) there was no significant heterogeneity by type of activity, with significant approximately 5% to 15% reductions in risk associated with most activities, except cycling. For hip fractures, there was no significant heterogeneity by type of activity, but with significant 15% to 20% reductions in risk associated with walking for 1 hour/day and participating in yoga and sporting activities. Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for fracture, but the effects differ between different types of activities and different fracture sites. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

A Community Bundle to Lower School-Aged Obesity Rates in a Small Midwestern City

Background: Multi-component interventions in large communities such as Philadelphia can effectively lower childhood obesity rates. It is less clear whether this type of intervention can be successful in smaller communities with more limited resources. Norwood, Ohio is a small Midwestern city with a population of 19,207. In 2010, Ohio passed a school health law requiring Body Mass Index (BMI) screening of students in kindergarten and grades 3, 5 and 9 along with restrictions on competitive foods and vending machine products and a physical education requirement of 30 min per day. In 2014, Norwood implemented a multi-component childhood obesity prevention and treatment bundle of interventions. Our objective was to describe the effects if this bundle on childhood overweight/obesity (OW/OB) rates. We hypothesized that implementation of the bundle would lower the prevalence of OW/OB in Norwood school children. Methods: In 2012, the Healthy Kids Ohio Act was fully implemented in the Norwood City School District (NCSD). In 2014 a comprehensive bundle was implemented that included: 1. A student gardening program; 2. Supplementation of fresh produce to a local food pantry and a family shelter; 3. A farmers market; 4. A health newsletter; 5. Incentives in the school cafeterias to promote healthy food selection; 6. A 100-mile walking club; 7. “Cook for America” (a “cooked from scratch” intervention for school cafeterias); 8. A school-based obesity treatment clinic; Results: The OW/OB rate in the NCSD was 43% at the time of the Bundle implementation in 2014 and 37% in 2016 (p = 0.029). Conclusions: A childhood OW/OB prevention bundle can be implemented in a small city and is associated with a favorable change in BMI.

P62 Leveraging Partnerships to Implement Policy, Systems, & Environmental Initiatives in Two Rural Counties of California

Objective To implement UC CalFresh policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) initiatives across limited resource settings. Use of Theory or Research Social-Ecological Model (SEM). Target Audience Preschoolers, youth, parents, and seniors across preschools, schools, after school programs, and community settings in Tulare/Kings counties of California. Program Description In collaboration with community partners during FY2017-18, trained nutrition educators implemented USDA funded UC CalFresh PSE initiatives such as school wellness policy, preschool and school gardens, physical activities such as Coordinated Approach to Child's Health (CATCH), walking club, dance exercise, healthy school farmer's market, smarter lunchrooms movement, and food distribution. Evaluation Methods Nutrition educators completed PSE Site Activity Tracking Form that recorded PSE reach, sites, implementation stages, PSE changes adopted, partnerships, and sustainability plan. Evaluation data analyses was completed using the Program Evaluation and Reporting System (PEARS). Results Results indicated: PSE reached preschoolers, youth, parents, seniors, and community members (n = 28,217), total PSE sites with one or more PSE changes adopted (n = 43), total PSE sites by setting for all stages of implementation (n = 35), total sites with sustainability plan (n = 46), total number of type of PSE changes identified (n = 76), and approximately 40 partnerships were reported. PSE changes included established or improved food and beverage, physical activity and/or wellness-related policies, initiated or improved point-of-purchase, decision, and/or distribution prompts (including information intended to influence choices at the point of decision), improved quality of structured physical activity, initiated or expanded use of the garden for nutrition education, and improve access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and/or other healthy foods. Conclusions Results provide essential insight into PSE strategies at the SEM levels to promote healthy food and physical activity messages. Implications of this evaluation suggest that local implementing agencies can successfully deliver PSE strategies by leveraging community partnerships. Funding SNAP-Ed.

걷기 동아리 참여 노인들의 커뮤니케이션이 운동 관여도와 운동지속의도에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 걷기 동아리 참여노인들(65세 이상)의 커뮤니케이션이 운동 관여도와 운동지속의도에 미치는 영향을 규명하고자 하였다. 이러한 목적을 달성하기 위하여 서울·경기지역 걷기 동아리 참여노인 250명을 대상으로 조사하여 최종 236부의 자료를 수집하였다. 수집된 자료는 SPSS 21.0을 사용하였으며 빈도분석, 상관관계분석, 신뢰도 분석, 탐색적 요인분석, 다중회귀분석을 통해 자료의 통계적 분석을 실시하였다. 분석을 통하여 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 첫째, 언어적·비언어적 커뮤니케이션은 운동 관여도의 하위 요인인 즐거움·중요성과 자기표현에 유의한 영향을 미쳤다, 둘째, 언어적·비언어적 커뮤니케이션은 운동지속의도의 하위 요인인 가능성에 영향을 미쳤고 경향성과 강화성에는 언어적 커뮤니케이션이 유의한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 셋째, 운동 관여도의 즐거움·중요성과 자기표현이 운동자속의도의 하위 요인인 가능성, 경향성, 강화성에 유의한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다.

Improving vitamin A and D intake among Inuit and Inuvialuit in Arctic Canada: evidence from the Healthy Foods North study

BackgroundPeople in Arctic Canada are undergoing a nutritional transition and increased prevalence of chronic disease. The Healthy Foods North diet and physical activity intervention was developed in 2007–2008 while working...

Patterns and perceptions of physical activity and sedentary time in male transport drivers working in regional Australia

To objectively measure physical activity (PA) patterns and sedentary time, and explore perceptions of workplace PA opportunities in regional male transport workers. A multi-method study involving 28 drivers (52.4±9.69 years) working at a bus company in South-East Queensland, Australia. PA was measured using accelerometers (n=23) to determine the proportion of time spent in sedentary (<150 cpm), light (151-2,689 cpm) and moderate+ (≥2,690 cpm) intensity categories. Paired sample t-tests were used to evaluate differences between categories on a workday/off-workday (n=16), and during work/non-work time (n=15). Interviews were conducted with 28 drivers and six managers to explore perceptions and ideas relating to workplace PA opportunities. Sedentary time was significantly higher on off-work (64% of wear time) than work (52%) days (p<0.05), while the opposite was the case for light intensity time (off-workday=33%; workday=44%; p<0.05). On workdays, sedentary time was significantly lower when employees were working (44%) than when not working (60%; p<0.05). No significant differences were found for time spent in moderate+ PA. Driver perceptions indicated that PA opportunities (walking club and corporate gym membership) were being adopted by some drivers. However, at this depot, perceived health issues and organisational barriers (shift work and irregular driving routines), tended to preclude some drivers from engaging with these opportunities. Findings contest the notion that a sedentary occupation such as driving necessitates an inactive work environment. This research informs ongoing intervention efforts to target inactive drivers who are struggling to take advantage of existing workplace-related PA opportunities.

Involving community stakeholders to increase park use and physical activity

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to describe implementation of a randomized controlled trial of community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches to increase park use and physical activity across 33 diverse neighborhoods in Los Angeles. MethodsFifty parks were randomly assigned based on park size, facilities and programs, and neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics to: park director (PD, 17 parks); PD and park advisory board of interested community members (PD+PAB, 16 parks); and no-intervention control (17 parks) arms. Between 2007 and 2012, PDs and PABs from the 33 intervention parks participated in community engagement, baseline assessment, marketing training, intervention design and implementation, and follow-up assessment. ResultsIntervention parks (PD and PD+PAB) invested in new and diversified signage, promotional items, outreach or support for group activities like fitness classes and walking clubs, and various marketing strategies. Scaling up CBPR methods across parks in 33 diverse neighborhoods was challenging. Working with departmental management and established structures for community input (PABs) and park policy (PDs) facilitated implementation and sustainability. ConclusionScaling up CBPR methods across diverse communities involved tradeoffs. CBPR is useful for tailoring research and enhancing community impact and sustainability, but more work is needed to understand how to conduct multi-site trials across diverse settings using CBPR.

The Evolution of Physical Activity on Prescription (FaR) in Sweden

In 1996, the first Report of the US Surgeon General on Physical Activity and Health provided an extensive knowledge overview about the positive effects of physical activity (PA) on several health outcomes and PA recommendations. This contributed to an enhanced interest for PA in Sweden. The Swedish Professional Associations for Physical Activity (YFA) were appointed to form a Scientific Expert Group in the project “Sweden on the Move” and YFA created the idea of Physical Activity on Prescription (FaR) and the production of a handbook (FYSS) for healthcare professionals. In Swedish primary care, licensed healthcare professionals, i.e. physicians, physiotherapists and nurses, can prescribe PA if they have sufficient knowledge about the patient’s current state of health, how PA can be used for promotion, prevention and treatment and are trained in patient-centred counselling and the FaR method. The prescription is followed individually or by visiting local FaR providers. These include sport associations, patient organisations, municipal facilities, commercial providers such as gyms, sports clubs and walking clubs or other organisations with FaR educated staff such as health promoters or personal trainers. In clinical practice, the FaR method increases the level of PA in primary care patients, at 6 and at 12 months. Self-reported adherence to the prescription was 65% at 6 months, similar to the known compliance for medications. In a randomised controlled trial, FaR significantly improved body composition and reduced metabolic risk factors. It is suggested that a successful implementation of PA in healthcare depends on a combination of a systems approach (socio-ecological model) and the strengthening of individual motivation and capability. General support from policymakers, healthcare leadership and professional associations is important. To lower barriers, tools for implementation and structures for delivery must be readily available. Examples include handbooks such as FYSS, the FaR system and the use of pedometers.

Meeting the Public Health Challenge of Pain in Later Life: What Role Can Senior Centers Play?

Interest in nonpharmacologic approaches for managing pain continues to grow. The aim of this study was to determine the types of pain-relevant programs offered by senior centers and whether the programs varied by clients’ race/ethnicity status and center size. A telephone survey was conducted. Respondents were presented with a list of 15 programs and the option to choose “other” and asked (1) whether the activity was offered and, if so, how often; (2) if they believed the programs had value for seniors with pain; and (3) whether the classes were advertised as a means of achieving pain relief. Of 204 center staff contacted, 195 (95.6%) participated. The most common programs offered were movement-based, including exercise (by 91.8% of the centers), dance (72.3%), walking clubs (71.8%), yoga (65.6%), and Tai Chi (53.3%) classes. Creative arts programs were also frequently offered, including music (58.5%) and fine arts (47.7%). Programs such as stress management (27%) and relaxation (26%) classes were less commonly offered. Most respondents identified movement-based programs as helpful for seniors with pain, but few identified creative arts classes as potentially beneficial. The programs/classes offered were infrequently advertised as a means of helping seniors manage pain and varied by clients’ race/ethnicity status and center size. Programs that have potential utility for older adults with pain are commonly offered by senior centers. Future research should determine optimal strategies for engaging older adults in these programs in the senior center setting.

Increase in physical activity among Central Brooklyn residents participating in an incentive‐based walking program

IntroThe “Brooklyn‐Stay Well, Enjoy Life” (B‐SWEL) program is a grant‐funded initiative sponsored by the Office of Minority Health that will provide 1,200 Central Brooklyn residents with screening, education, and diabetes prevention services over 3 years. Clients receive individual case management and group services to help them achieve weight loss, reduce blood pressure and control blood sugar. StudyObjectiveIncrease physical activity level of participants with pre‐diabetes and diabetes through enrollment in incentive‐based walking clubMethodsB‐SWEL participants received a pedometer that tracked their daily steps for 7 days. Participants were offered 3–4 occasions per week to participate in an hour‐long neighborhood group walk. Participants received two different incentive‐types over time (monthly+weekly or monthly‐only.Results15 participants enrolled at the start of the study. 6 participants completed. Average number of monthly steps of the participants during the monthly+weekly incentive period was 356,923 and during the monthly‐only incentive period was 509,286 and attendance increased from 40 to 51 walks completed, respectively.ConclusionIncentive‐based walking programs conducted in community‐based settings are an important way to increase physical activity. Incentives do not need to be high to achieve desirable results.

Behavioral Traits of Walking Club Members and Methods of Support to Enable Continuations

Behavioral Traits of Walking Club Members and Methods of Support to Enable Continuations

The implementation of a community-based aerobic walking program for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis: a knowledge translation randomized controlled trial: part II: clinical outcomes.

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in the world, as it is appears to be prevalent among 80% of individuals over the age of 75. Although physical activities such as walking have been scientifically proven to improve physical function and arthritic symptoms, individuals with OA tend to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. There is therefore a need to improve knowledge translation in order to influence individuals to adopt effective self-management interventions, such as an adapted walking program.MethodsA single-blind, randomized control trial was conducted. Subjects (n = 222) were randomized to one of three knowledge translation groups: 1) Walking and Behavioural intervention (WB) (18 males, 57 females) which included the supervised community-based aerobic walking program combined with a behavioural intervention and an educational pamphlet on the benefits of walking; 2) Walking intervention (W) (24 males, 57 females) wherein participants only received the supervised community-based aerobic walking program intervention and the educational pamphlet; 3) Self-directed control (C) (32 males, 52 females) wherein participants only received the educational pamphlet. One-way analyses of variance were used to test for differences in quality of life, adherence, confidence, and clinical outcomes among the study groups at each 3 month assessment during the 12-month intervention period and 6-month follow-up period.ResultsThe clinical and quality of life outcomes improved among participants in each of the three comparative groups. However, there were few statistically significant differences observed for quality of life and clinical outcomes at long-term measurements at 12-months end of intervention and at 6- months post intervention (18-month follow-up). Outcome results varied among the three groups.ConclusionThe three groups were equivalent when determining the effectiveness of knowledge uptake and improvements in quality of life and other clinical outcomes. OA can be managed through the implementation of a proven effective walking program in existing community-based walking clubs.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials IRSCTNO9193542