Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) (Title III-D Program)

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program  (AFEP) (formerly People with Arthritis Can exercise or PACE) is a community-based recreational exercise program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. Trained AFEP instructors 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.

  • Program Goals:
  • -Overall sense of well-being.
  • -Better quality of life
  • -Reduce pain/inflammation
  • -Increase social interaction
  • -Fun, Safe and effective way to promote better health
  • -Improved joint function
  • -Increased 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:
  • -Low impact physical activity program proven to reduce pain and decrease stiffness. The sessions include gentle range-of-motion exercises that are suitable for every fitness level and ability. Led by a trained program leader, these enjoyable and motivational classes may be taken either standing or sitting in a chair.

 

  • 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

Reference Material

  • Anderson, J.M. (1991). Evaluation of the PACE exercise program and its effect on self-efficacy, pain, depression, and functional ability. Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.

 

  • Callahan L.F., Mielenz T., Freburger J., et al. (2008). A randomized controlled trial of the People with Arthritis Can Exercise Program (PACE): Symptoms, function, physical activity, and psychosocial outcomes. Arthritis Care Research, 59: 92-101.