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Walk with Ease Australia (MRFF 2022 Effective Treatments and Therapies Grant Opportunity administered by the University of Sydney) (2023–2026)

Abstract:
Osteoarthritis is a serious and debilitating condition that affects over 3 million Australians and yet there is still no cure. In 2018, the National Osteoarthritis Strategy identified seven priority areas throughout a person¿s journey with OA, from prevention, early treatment to end-stage management and joint replacement. A key goal of the Strategy was to improve the uptake of physical activity and exercise by Australians diagnosed with, or at risk of developing OA. Currently, 90% of people with OA do not meet physical activity guidelines. This grant proposal will test an innovative public health approach to address risk factors associated with the prevalence and persistence of OA in Australia and implement these approaches to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of preventative healthcare interventions. We propose to develop, evaluate, and implement a sustainable, community-driven walking program for people with OA. The Walk with Ease program is a walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation in the USA that is proven to reduce pain and improve function in people with moderate to severe levels of pain. This program will be adapted to the Australian setting by partnering with state-based arthritis consumer groups who will co-design the delivery of the program that will have a focus on engagement, adherence, and long-term sustainability.
Grant type:
University of Sydney
Researchers:

  • Professor Bill Vicenzino

    Professor in Physiotherapy
    School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
    Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
Funded by:
The University of Sydney