(Previously called PACE - People with Arthritis Can Exercise)

The Statewide Partnership

In partnership with the Tennessee Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation and the Tennessee Department of Health, the University of Tennessee Extension is offering the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) to Tennessee residents.

Overall Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Goal

To increase the quality of life of persons affected by arthritis through physical activity.

About the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

The AFEP is a community-based, non-clinical recreational exercise program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. While it includes activities designed to improve certain physical parameters, such as endurance and joint motion, the group exercise experience also encourages peer interaction and socialization.

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Video Clip (requires RealPlayer® to view, to download RealPlayer click on the button below)

The AFEP offers several advantages over generalized community exercise programs. It is designed specifically for persons with arthritis, taking into consideration the pain, fatigue and decreased strength and motion that often accompany the disease. The program includes accommodations for individual limitations and does not encourage activities that might aggravate, rather than relieve, arthritis symptoms. In order to assure safe performance of the exercises, instruction about basic principles of arthritis exercise, correct body mechanics and joint protection are included.

The program consists of two levels – a basic level and an advanced level. The instructor will design the program to fit the needs of the participants.

Target Audience

People of all ages can benefit from the AFEP classes. The two levels of the program --- Basic and Advanced --- are designed for different levels of capability.

• The Basic Program is appropriate for persons with moderate to severe joint involvement. The basic class consists of people with rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joint osteoarthritis, back problems and those who are elderly or generally deconditioned. Persons with a very mild disease, minimal joint involvement, or an active daily routine might not find the basic program sufficiently challenging. All ages are welcome.
• The Advanced Program is designed for individuals whose arthritis, rheumatic disease, or musculoskeletal condition is primarily characterized by diffused muscle pain, decreased muscle strength and fatigue. The program is appropriate for people with mild to moderate joint involvement. An advanced class often consists of people with mild joint involvement and or problems with fatigue, such as lupus or fibromyalgia. Participants must be ambulatory and able to descend and arise from the floor unassisted. Some generalized muscle soreness or some feeling of being tired from increased activity may be expected. All ages are welcome.

Program Objectives

• To provide participants with an enjoyable, safe exercise program.
• To improve self-image and self-esteem through increased physical well-being.
• To encourage positive social interaction among participants.
• To maintain or improve certain physical parameters depending on the choice of activities and exercises.
• To improve performance of daily activities.
• To increase participant’s awareness of arthritis exercise principles, joint protection principles and relaxation techniques.
• To provide participants with methods for incorporating these self-care skills into the home environment.

Specific Physical Objectives To relieve stiffness. To restore or maintain joint range of motion. To increase flexibility of the structures surrounding the joint. To restore or maintain muscle strength. To improve posture. To increase endurance. Program Content Range-of-motion exercises Strengthening exercises Endurance activities Weight-bearing activities Balance and coordination activities Posture and body mechanics training Body Awareness activities Breathing exercises Relaxation techniques Health education Practical tips Games/special activities Activities to promote self-image

Program’s Demonstrated Benefits Reduce pain Improved outlook Decreased depression Increased confidence in one’s ability to exercise Increased flexibility and range of motion Increased energy Better, more relaxed sleep Decrease in doctor and emergency room visits Program Registration This eight week program, with two 1-hour sessions held each week, is free to Tennessee residents, who participate in the program conducted by UT Extension educators. Program Brochure and Registration Form Take Charge of Your Joints: Tips for Living with Arthritis Brochure (SP526-O)

Program Availability

To find out about availability of this program in your area you can check the Arthritis Foundation web page or contact a certified UT Extension instructor in your county.

Want to Learn More About Arthritis?

To learn more about arthritis and the benefits of physical activity in managing the disease, visit the FCS Health & Safety – Arthritis page for great Web site links!

Test your knowledge of arthritis with our quiz - Arthritis Quiz: Do You Know the Basics?

State Contacts

For more information about the UT Extension Health & Safety programs, please contact your local County Extension FCS Agent.