Expanding Physical Activity Opportunities in South Dakota
Overview
In our modern world, many people in South Dakota struggle to find access and opportunities for physical activity. With the development of two evidence-based programs, we’ve been able to help many South Dakotans improve their overall health and ease their chronic pain.
Challenge
According to 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, only 22% of South Dakotans meet the recommended amount of aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. Access to physical activity opportunities across the state can also be challenging, as some individuals must travel long distances to access nearest facilities or programming opportunities.
Key Components
In 2018, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension adopted two evidence-based physical activity programs, Walk With Ease and Fit & Strong! to offer statewide. South Dakota adults are the primary target audience for both programs, with an extra emphasis on individuals living with arthritis.
Walk With Ease is an evidence-based, six-week walking program developed jointly by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina. The program has been shown to reduce pain and improve overall health in program participants. Whether participants need relief from arthritis or chronic pain, or just want to be active—if they can be on their feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, participants can find success with Walk With Ease.
Fit & Strong! is an evidence-based physical activity and fall prevention program developed by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The program is eight or twelve weeks and includes education on a variety of health topics and discusses how physical activity can help manage symptoms and pain. The program covers safe stretching techniques, balance exercises, lower extremity exercises, resistance band exercises, and aerobics. Participants develop physical activity techniques that are sustainable after the Fit & Strong! program ends. SDSU Extension has implemented the program statewide and is the current license holder.
Both programs are offered in-person and virtually.
Results
In 2018, SDSU Extension trained the first two instructors in both Walk With Ease and Fit & Strong!. Since this training, additional funding and program expansion has occurred. Currently, there are over 26 active South Dakota Fit & Strong! leaders and 19 Walk With Ease leaders across the state. Additionally, SDSU Extension has two trained Master Trainers in Fit & Strong!.
Walk With Ease
Since 2018, over 651 individuals have participated in
37 Walk With Ease workshops. Participants indicated a change in confidence managing their joint pain and/or stiffness from 7.6 to 8.0 on a scale of 1-10.
Fit & Strong!
Since 2018, over 276 individuals have participated in over 22 Fit & Strong! workshops. In 2020, South Dakota was part of the Fit & Strong! @ Home pilot, which helped develop the virtual delivery of the program. Since the pilot, Fit & Strong! @ Home is offered as a virtual opportunity statewide in South Dakota.
Next Steps
SDSU Extension is continuing to offer and expand both Walk with Ease and Fit & Strong! in the state of South Dakota. They are working closely with their local (i.e. SD Department of Health, trained leaders) and national (i.e. Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, National Council on Aging) partners to plan for sustainability and continued implementation of both programs. These two programs are also part of the overarching umbrella of Better Choices, Better Health SD Programs©. Volunteers are always welcome to reach out and get involved as leaders.
