Phone-Based Walk With Ease Program

To test how well the Walk With Ease Program works by phone, some participants will start the program immediately and some will start one year later.  

No. This research study is a randomized controlled trial. It’s like flipping a coin which means that you nor the study staff get to pick if you start the program immediately or after one year.

You will be asked to:

• Participate in 2 telephone calls each week for 6 weeks with a Walk with Ease Leader.
  One call will last 45-60 minutes and will review topics relating to arthritis and exercise. The second call will last 15-20 minutes and will focus on the Walk with Ease Leader checking in on your walking goals and progress. Depending on which group you’ve been randomized to, you will start these calls immediately or after the 1 year visit.
• Attend 4 study visits on the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus
  ALL participants whether starting the program immediately or after one year will do 4 in-person visits. At each visit, you will have your height, weight, and blood pressure measured and you will be asked to complete two physical function tests. You will also be asked to complete surveys and wear a physical activity monitor around your waist for 7 days.  Each visit will last approximately 60 minutes. The study visits will be held at the following times:

Visit 1 = Before the study starts
Visit 2 = at 6 weeks
Visit 3 = at month 6
Visit 4 = at month 12 (final visit)

You can participate in the study if:

A doctor or other healthcare provider has told you that you have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia
You are 18 years or older
You are willing to attend 4 study visits at the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus
You currently and plan to live in the Columbia, SC region for the next year

The first test will include walking as much as you can for 6 minutes. If you get tired or need to rest, you can sit down.  During the second function test, you will be asked to stand up and sit down in a chair as many times as you can in 30 seconds.

Yes, the Phone-Based Walk with Ease program and guidebook are completely free to all participants. In addition, you will receive a total of up to $140 in prepaid gift cards for completing study visits.

Study visits are held on the 3rd floor in the Public Health Research Center of the Arnold School of Public Health. A map and directions will be provided prior to your visits.

921 Assembly St., Suite 318
Columbia, SC 29208
Parking is available behind the building at no cost.

Participation in the Phone-Based Walk with Ease Program is completely voluntary, and you can stop at any time. However, if you feel like you no longer want to or are able to participate, we encourage you to express any concerns to our study staff prior to stopping.