Environmental and Policy Strategies to Increase Physical Activity Among Adults With Arthritis

[B’ Spokes: More and more things benefit from cycling.]
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By Arthritis Foundation
Introduction
Arthritis affects 50 million adults and is the most common cause of disability in the United States.1, 2 Currently, 22.2 percent of the adult (>18 years old) U.S. population has arthritis. Comprising more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints and tissues, arthritis causes many Americans serious pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling. Physical activity is an important but underused intervention for adults with arthritis that decreases pain, delays the onset of disability, improves physical functioning, mood and independence, and enhances quality of life, aerobic capacity, and muscle strength. This document is designed to engage six important sectors as partners with a mutual interest in increasing physical activity among adults with arthritis using environmental and policy strategies.
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“Transportation systems, development patterns, and community design and planning decisions all can have profound effects on physical activity. People can lead healthier, more active lives if our communities are built to facilitate safe walking and biking and the use of public transportation, all considered forms of active transportation.”
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• Urge state and local governments to examine planning and zoning efforts, such as complete streets policies, to ensure that adults with arthritis can walk safely to their schools, workplaces, shopping areas, and other community venues (e.g., pedestrian crossing signals that allow adequate time for adults with arthritis and other mobility limitations to cross the road safely).
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• Encourage park, recreation, fitness, and sport facility authorities to offer more low-impact and low-intensity exercise equipment for individuals with disabilities and older adults (e.g., bicycles, elliptical, swimming pools, exercise bands).
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https://www.arthritis.org/files//documents/OA_Physical_Activity_Rpt_508_v1_TAG508.pdf