Effects of the Ground Exercise for Arthritis Program(GEAP) on Pain, Fatigue, Self-esteem, Perceived Health Status and Self-efficacy in Patients with Chronic Arthritis

만성관절염 환자의 통증, 피로, 자아존중감, 건강상태지각과 자기효능감에 대한 관절염 체조의 효과

Purpose: To examine the effects of the GEAP on pain, fatigue, self-esteem, perceived health status and self-efficacy in patients with chronic arthritis. Methods: One group Pre- & post-test design was used. Outcome domains included pain, number of painful joints, fatigue, self-esteem, perceived health status and self-efficacy. Thirty-four patients were recruited over four times from a rheumatic clinic affiliated to a university medical center in Seoul, Korea The GEAP is an exercise program modified by the investigators from PACE program which developed by Arthritis Foundation. The program duration is about 60 minutes, three times a week for 6 weeks. Participants were predominantly women (68%) ; on average 57.3 years old; and diagnossed with RA (58.8), osteoarthritis (29.4) or other (11.8). Results: After completing the GEAP, subjects showed significant improvement in pain (p=.02), number of painful joints (P= .04), fatigue (p= .0001), and perceived health status (P=.006). There were no improvements in self-esteem and self-efficacy score for adults with chronic rheumatic diseases. Conclusion: This study showed that the GEAP is an effective exercise intervention for improving outcomes for patients with chronic arthritis. More sample and research are needed to 1) accurately evaluate on self-esteem and self-efficacy; 2) understand and improve adherence. And also a longer follow up period is recommended to evaluate long-term effects of the PACE program.