Big benefits for
people with arthritis
Arthritis and exercise program offers relief
THE
first and second Arthritis and
Exercise Programs at the Center for
Health and Performance (CHAP)
are complete. And the results speak
for themselves: Participants realized a
10 to 15 percent decrease in pain while
experiencing a 10 to 15 percent increase
in function, as shown by scores on an
arthritis index (Womac). Positive changes
were also noted in depression and brain-
functioning scores.
Jackie Lee, a program participant at
CHAP, says, “I thought exercise at first
was a little difficult, but as I got into the
program, I suddenly realized that my
body was feeling different, which was the
elimination of pain in my back and neck,
and as the program progressed and my
training progressed, I was able to raise
my right arm overhead.” Lee continues,
“I hadn’t raised my right arm overhead
in three or more years, and three
different orthopedic surgeons told me
it was hopeless.” And she adds, “This
training has also given me a new inner
peace.”
Decreasing pain and
improving function
The arthritis program offered via
CHAP is based on the results of over
25 studies indicating the benefits of
strength training and cardiovascular
fitness to those affected with arthritis.
The programs are funded by a grant from
the Helen Bader Foundation.
“By focusing more on daily program
advancement, we were able to decrease
participants’ pain and enhance function
more in the second program as compared
with the first,” says Greg Renfro, CHAP
Supervisor. “As we provide more
programs, we are continually looking
at ways to reduce pain and enhance
function,” Renfro adds. “Our pre- and
post-testing will continue to guide our
program design.”
Find relief
If interested in membership or future
arthritis or osteoporosis programming
at CHAP, contact us at
715-623-9924
.
We are forming waiting lists for our
programs, so call now!
“Now I can do whatever I
want with my arm.”
—Jackie Lee, Arthritis Class participant (pictured with
Greg Renfro, Center for Health & Wellness Coordinator)
16%
12%
14%
10%
12%
8%
10%
6%
8%
4%
6%
2%
4%
0%
2%
-2%
0%
-4%
-6%
Arthritis II Program
Arthritis I Program
% of Positive Change
WOMAC
WOMAC
Systolic BP
Diastolic BP
8
Pathways •
