Bringing the Walk with Ease Programme to the UK: a mixed-methods study to assess the relevance, acceptability, and feasibility of implementation for people with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions

Lay Summary Walk With Ease (WWE) is a popular walking programme in the USA. It was specially designed for people living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. Over 6-weeks, participants follow a guidebook and can choose to walk by themselves or with an instructor-led group. Research evidence has shown that WWE increases time spent being physically active and improves arthritis symptoms. We wanted to bring WWE across the pond to explore whether it would be well-received and possible to conduct in the UK. We worked with community and patient partners to make sure the WWE materials made sense for a British audience and trained walk leaders. We recruited participants and asked them to complete physical assessment tests, questionnaires, and interviews both before and after the 6-week walking programme. There were 149 participants who took part-most were older women-and 97 participants received the WWE programme. Almost all (99%) would recommend WWE to family and friends. They said, in the interviews, that the programme improved their motivation to be physically active, helped their mood, and social well-being. Their physical performance and arthritis symptoms also improved. WWE has great potential to improve health and well-being of people with arthritis in the UK. Why start from scratch when a successful evidence-based walking programme already exists elsewhere in the world? A culturally adapted WWE programme is acceptable and relevant to a UK population, and can support key UK Government policy initiatives to promote physical activity and social connectedness among adults living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. Developed in the United States (US), Walk With Ease (WWE) is a popular evidence-based, 6-week community walking programme for adults with arthritis, delivered in either an instructor-led or self-directed format. While WWE has expanded into communities across the USA, it is relatively unknown in other countries across the globe. This study, in collaboration with community and patient partners, aimed to examine the relevance, acceptability and feasibility of introducing WWE into a UK context. After initial cultural adaptation, participants were recruited into the study. Eligible (>= 18 years, doctor diagnosed arthritis (confirmed or self-report), self-reported joint symptoms in last 30 days, BMI >= 25 kg/m(2), and <150 min/week of moderate/vigorous PA) and consented participants were randomized into two groups: WWE programme or usual care. A mixed-methods analysis approach integrated quantitative data (physical performance assessment; baseline and post-six week programme questionnaire) and qualitative data (narrative interviews exploring participants' pre- and post-WWE experiences and stakeholders' perceptions). Of 149 participants, the majority were women (70%) aged >= 60 years (76%). Among the 97 receiving the programme, 52 chose instructor-led; 45 chose self-directed. Participants found WWE relevant and acceptable-99% indicating they would recommend WWE to family/friends. Within both WWE formats, mixed differences representing improvement were observed at 6 weeks from baseline for physical performance and arthritis symptoms. Emergent themes included improved motivation, health, and social well-being. WWE is a relevant and acceptable walking programme with scope for wider implementation to support UK health and well-being policy strategies.

Automated summary

Walk With Ease (WWE) is a popular walking programme in the USA that has been proven to increase physical activity and improve arthritis symptoms. The researchers wanted to introduce WWE to the UK and found that it was well-received and beneficial for the participants. WWE has great potential to improve health and well-being in the UK.