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What is Walk with Ease?
Walk with Ease is a six-week intervention program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. It is designed to help individuals become more physically active through walking. The program offers participants a chance to participate in a supervised individualized walking plan, learn how to safely progress that program over time, and increase walking ability each week. Participants will learn skills to build healthy habits. Programming is available in different formats including group, self-directed (virtual), and hybrid options. Availability varies depending on location, staff and local resources. Who would benefit from Walk with Ease?
Walk with Ease was developed to help reduce symptoms of arthritis pain, but is beneficial for reducing risk of falling or for individuals with other chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, depression, and anxiety. The program is built on the principal that physical activity is important for health and independence with age. |
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What are the requirements for Walk with Ease?
Requirements vary depending on location and on whether the program is linked to specific research protocols. There are no specific age requirements for general enrollment but Walk with Ease is generally targeted to serve, inactive older adults since it focuses on building foundational levels of walking. The only physical requirement is that participants must be able to stand for at least 10 consecutive minutes, without increasing pain. The use of a walker or cane is permitted. Approval from a physician is recommended and sometimes required.
Requirements vary depending on location and on whether the program is linked to specific research protocols. There are no specific age requirements for general enrollment but Walk with Ease is generally targeted to serve, inactive older adults since it focuses on building foundational levels of walking. The only physical requirement is that participants must be able to stand for at least 10 consecutive minutes, without increasing pain. The use of a walker or cane is permitted. Approval from a physician is recommended and sometimes required.
For specific questions about Walk with Ease email the project team at [email protected]
How Does the Program Work in Iowa?
The Walk with Ease program in Iowa is managed by a research team affiliated with the Iowa State University (ISU) Translational Research Network (U-TuRN) which leads a state level arthritis project supported by a Cooperative Agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We are working with an array of partners and organizations to facilitate the dissemination of Walk with Ease across the state. Details on the three types of programs are summarized below but additional information is on the linked pages:
The Walk with Ease program in Iowa is managed by a research team affiliated with the Iowa State University (ISU) Translational Research Network (U-TuRN) which leads a state level arthritis project supported by a Cooperative Agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We are working with an array of partners and organizations to facilitate the dissemination of Walk with Ease across the state. Details on the three types of programs are summarized below but additional information is on the linked pages:
- The Group versions of the program generally meet in community-based locations and feature a trained Walk with Ease leader that guides participants through the 6-week program. Participants use a print or online book but also typically meet in-person to walk and exercise together. Programming may be 3 days/week for 6 weeks, but may be 2 days/week for 9 weeks. The CDC project enables us to cover costs of training for organizations interested in delivering WWE.
- The Self-Directed version is designed to be completed independently with participants building in walking and exercise on their own. The programming is powered by a robust online portal developed by the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance. The CDC project enables us to provide it for FREE across the state.
- The Hybrid version combines elements of the Group and Self-Directed versions. Participants are guided through the self-directed programming but this is supplemented with local coordination and centralized communication by a local leader and/or supplemental group walks.