AEA Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) (Title III-D Program)

Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) 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 aquatics classes include joint range of motion, stretching, breathing, and light aerobic activities. The classes typically meet two or three times per week for one hour.

  • Program Goals:
  • -Overall sense of well-being
  • -Better quality of life
  • -Reduced pain/inflammation
  • -Fun, Safe and Effective way to promote better health
  • -Improved joint function
  • -Increase muscular strength

 

  • Target Audience:
  • -Adults with arthritis, related rheumatic disease or musculoskeletal conditions, ranging from people who are older, sedentary and very limited by impaired joint mobility to those who are relatively active with only mild joint involvement.

 

  • Program Description:
  • -Warm-water exercise program suitable for every fitness level, shown to reduce pain and improve overall health. Exercises include range of motion, muscle-strengthening, socialization activities and an optional, moderate-intensity aerobic component.

 

  • Program Delivery: 
  • Trained program Leaders

 

Contact information

  • Aquatic Exercise Association
  • PO Box 1695
  • Brunswick, GA 31521-1695
  • Website: aeawave.com
  • Toll Free: (888) 232-9283
  • Phone: (941) 486-8600
  • Fax: (941) 486-8820

Texas Programs

AFAP is offered at many locations throughout Texas.  None offered through Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) at this time.  Find a local program by using the Arthritis Foundation’s search engine at: http://www.arthritis.org/we-can-help/community-programs/search-programs/.

Aquatic Programs are available in Abilene, Arlington, Austin, Dallas, Euless, Hamilton, Houston, McKinney, and Midland, Texas.

Reference Material

  • Suomi R., & Lindauer, S. (1997). Effectiveness of Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program on strength and range of motion in women with arthritis. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 5m 341-351.

 

  • Wang, T.J., Belza, B., Thompron, F.E., Whitney, J.D., & Bennett, K. (2007). Effects of aquatic exercise on flexibility, strength, and aerobic fitness in adults with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 57(2), 141-152.AEA