The Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program is a community water exercise program. The classes are held in an indoor heated pool and conducted in a group setting. Sessions are held for one hour, 1-3 times per week, for 6-10 weeks, or on an ongoing basis. Because warm water is an ideal environment for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness, the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program allows participants to perform exercise necessary for daily function without putting excess strain on joints and muscles.
The Aquatics Programs are held in various settings including schools and community facilities, and are governed by National Arthritis Foundation guidelines regarding leaders, training, advertisement, program sites, program implementation and program leader recruitment. Specifically, running the program requires an instructor who is trained and certified by the National Arthritis Foundation. Approved sites must market the programs through flyers that include the National Arthritis Foundation name and logo.
Some of the criteria for program implementation include facilities with:
All class participants must complete a participant application and sign the release form. The exercises are designed to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, daily function and joint range of motion, as well as to decrease pain.
Only instructors who have successfully completed an approved instructor/leader training workshop, and are up-to-date on their Arthritis Foundation certification are approved to teach The National Arthritis Foundation classes. Individuals wishing to become certified Arthritis Foundation Aquatic or Exercise leaders must have two years of education and/or experience in a health/fitness related field, a current CPR certification, and successful completion of the training workshops. They must have a current CPR certification, and successfully complete the one-day training workshop. All leaders must be affiliated with a facility which retains a standard Arthritis Foundation Letter of Agreement.
The National Arthritis Foundation’s leader training curriculum teaches leaders how conduct the programs in their communities. Leaders must ensure that there is no variation in the approved program content or process described in the program leader/instructor manuals without prior written permission from the National Arthritis Foundation. The leaders agree to such by submitting a signed Instructor Agreement Form to their local chapter of the National Arthritis Foundation. Leader trainings are conducted in New Jersey through the Arthritis Foundation, New Jersey Chapter, Regional Arthritis Centers, and the Department of Health and Senior Services. There is a fee for becoming an approved instructor. The National Arthritis Foundation details every aspect of program implementation, including guidelines on effective teaching techniques and advice on handing unexpected situations.
The program was originally developed with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of USA. When the program is offered at a YMCA pool facility, it is called the Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program.
Results
A small, randomized, controlled trial of the program with women with arthritis demonstrated significant positive changes in joint range of motion and muscle strength.
Using data obtained from weekly diaries and questionnaires, participants in the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program had fewer physician visits. Those adhering to the minimum attendance of 2 classes per week (29%) had significantly higher quality of life and functional status.
In one study, men and women who completed a six-week Arthritis Foundation aquatic exercise program:
Strengths
Lessons Learned
The site should make all necessary schedule and location arrangements prior to the instructor training so that the program can begin shortly thereafter. Most sites have persons on staff qualified to take the instructor training course.
The program must be implemented in a pool where the water is 83-87 degrees Fahrenheit; if this condition is not met, the site is in violation of its contract and is no longer an authorized Arthritis Foundation program.
Implementation Steps
Establish partnership for program implementation
Contact your local Arthritis Foundation Chapter or Regional Arthritis Center to make necessary arrangements.
Identify Potential Program Instructor
Identify an individual to instruct the program. Individual should meet minimum qualifications specified by the National Arthritis Foundation, including current CPR and First Aid certification, and Water Safety certification or nationally recognized Lifeguard certification. Enroll instructor(s) in training program.
Plan and Advertise Program
Set dates/times/location for program.
Promote the program via established network, media as well as Arthritis Foundation-New Jersey Chapter and Regional Arthritis Center. Consider senior centers, rheumatologists, pain clinics, and rehabilitation centers as well.
Measure Program Success
Utilizing the provided participant and instructor surveys, levels of participation, and satisfaction survey, evaluate the program and identify any adjustments necessary for use in planning future programs.
Contact Information
Arthritis Foundation, New Jersey Chapter
200 Middlesex Turnpike, Iselin, NJ 08830
732-283-4300
888-467-3112 (Toll-free)
Email: Info.nj@arthritis.org
North Jersey Regional Arthritis Center at Atlantic Health System
Morristown Memorial Hospital Arthritis Center, 100 Madison Ave,
Box 23, Morristown NJ 07962
877-973-6500
Director
Email:Kathleen.Hodapp@ahsys.org
Service Area: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Union, and Sussex Counties
Southern New Jersey Regional Arthritis Center at Virtua Health
1 Carnie Boulevard., Voorhees NJ 08043
856-325-3511
Director
Email:pmgordy@virtua.org
Service Area: Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties
National Arthritis Foundation
P.O. Box 7669, Atlanta, GA 30357-0669
800-568-4045 (Toll-free & Spanish Language)
www.arthritis.org
Additional Resources
If you are interested in starting your own program, responsibilities are as follows:
1. Program Design and Implementation
a) Carry out program logistics (scheduling, marketing, registration, collection of participant application and release forms and registration fees, etc.)
b) Set class fees (if necessary) that are mutually agreed upon by both agencies. Whenever possible, provide scholarships for class participants in need of financial assistance.
c) Adhere to National Arthritis Foundation guidelines regarding program names and use of the Arthritis Foundation logo. Use the full program name, “Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program”, as the official program title and acknowledge and credit the Arthritis Foundation in news releases, published reports, brochures and other program materials. Submit all promotional materials to the Arthritis Foundation for review prior to release.
d) Allow classes to be open to the community.
2. Program Monitoring and Evaluation: Mantain a high-quality program, periodically collecting and submitting the following:
a) Program participant data:
Series offerings: (Example: 6-, 8-, or 12-week classes that have an indicated start and end date) Course Participation Reporting Form must be submitted to AF within 10 days of end date of each series.
Ongoing offerings: Quarterly submission of names, addresses, and total count of participants in the program.
Participant Evaluations: Periodic participant evaluations when requested by the chapter.
b) An annual Record Form (or 6 weeks prior to class onset) that indicates a current class schedule, name of facility contact person, and names of current instructors/leaders who are teaching AF classes.
c) Notification of any changes in course schedules or instructors within 30 days of their occurrence.
3. Agency Contact Person:
Designate a contact person within your organization who will help ensure that the above responsibilities are upheld and who will maintain communication with the Arthritis Foundation.
The New Jersey Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation will be responsible for the following:
1. Provide and/or assist with training and recertification training for class instructors/leaders.
2. Provide certification to trained instructors/leaders after they have taught a series of six classes.
3. Assist in the promotion of the program to its members and recruitment of class participants.
4. Assist in ordering and providing AF program materials and consumer publications.
5. Assist in conducting site and program evaluations and providing compiled data back to the agency.
6. Provide adequate insurance for the program as a co-sponsoring agency.
Either the Arthritis Foundation, New Jersey Chapter, as a co-sponsoring organization, or the community organization, reserves the right to terminate this agreement with 30 days written notice. However, the Arthritis Foundation may terminate the contract immediately in writing if serious safety violations or apparent disregard for program guidelines is found.
Letters of Agreement terminate three (3) years from the date of signature and are subject to renewal at that time.
References
“Arthritis Foundation community-based physical activity programs: Effectiveness and implementation issues.” (2003) American College of Rheumatology. Volume 48, Issue 3.
Schoster B, Callahan LF, Meier A, Mielenz T, DiMartino L. “The People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE) program: a qualitative evaluation of participant satisfaction.” Prev Chronic Dis [serial online] 2005 Jul [date cited]. Available from: URL: http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2005/jul/05_0009.htm.
Suomi R, Koceja DM. Postural sway characteristics in women with lower extremity arthritis before and after an aquatic exercise intervention. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000;81(6):780-785.
