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Date of Presentation

5-8-2025

Document Type

Article

Department

Medicine

Faculty Mentor

Jennifer Kerkvliet, MA, LPC, NCC

Keywords

Health Promotion, Exercise, Arthritis

Subject Categories

Medicine and Health Sciences | Public Health

Abstract

The Walk With Ease (WWE) program is a free, evidence-based, six-week walking initiative originally developed by the Arthritis Foundation to support adults with arthritis and other chronic conditions. This study evaluates the impact of WWE in South Dakota, focusing on participant outcomes related to overall health, physical activity, and chronic condition management. Participants engaged in either instructor-led or self-directed formats and accessed an online portal for resources. Pre- and post-surveys revealed that most participants improved or maintained their health metrics, with 44% reporting improved management of chronic conditions and 30% increasing daily walking time. The online portal was well-received, with 90% of users rating it as easy or very easy to use. Despite limitations such as a 61% loss to follow-up and a small sample size, the findings suggest that WWE, especially with digital support, can be a valuable tool for promoting physical activity and health management in rural populations like South Dakota’s. Future research should explore program fidelity and compare outcomes before and after the implementation of online resources.

Walk With Ease Benefiting South Dakota

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