Actively Recruiting
Examination of the Dose Response Relationship Between Physical Activity and Arthritis-Attributable Outcomes
Led by University of South Carolina · Updated on 2026-04-03
285
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
30 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of South Carolina
Lead Sponsor
C
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to examine how three different weekly amounts of physical activity—45 minutes, 90 minutes, or 150 minutes—affect symptoms in people with arthritis and related conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and fibromyalgia. The study focuses on understanding the dose-response relationship between exercise levels and arthritis outcomes to help guide effective symptom management. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the three physical activity goals. Each participant will take part in a 6-month program called the DREAM Adaptive Intervention, which includes monthly coaching calls, the Arthritis Foundation's Walk With Ease Guidebook, behavioral lessons, and a Fitbit to track activity. Additional support through calls, texts, or emails may be provided if participants have difficulty meeting their activity goals. During the study, participants will be assessed on physical function using the 6 Minute Walk Test and chair stand tests, as well as measures of physical and mental health-related quality of life, pain intensity, and depression symptoms. These assessments will be conducted at the start, 6 months, and 12 months where applicable. The study follows participants for up to 12 months to monitor changes in these outcomes as related to their physical activity levels.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Dose Response of Exercise for Arthritis Management
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 18 years or older
- Have a doctor diagnosed form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia
- Ability to read and write in English
You will not qualify if you...
- Have any contraindications to exercise (besides arthritis)
- Engage in >45 min/week of Actigraph assessed moderate to vigorous intensity activity
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant in the next year
- Are planning to relocate out of the Columbia, SC area in the next 12 months
- Do not have a device compatible with Fitbit
- Have uncontrolled hypertension (e.g., systolic blood pressure > 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 100 mmHg)
- Plan to have a surgery that affects mobility in the next 12 months
- Have a serious cognitive impairment
- Not willing to be randomized to any of the 3 conditions, do not believe they could adhere to the goals, or do not believe they could achieve the highest dose of activity (150 minutes/week).
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote) for eligibility assessment
Duration - 6 months
Participants engage in a 6-month physical activity program which includes setting a weekly physical activity goal, receiving the Arthritis Foundation's Walk With Ease Guidebook, behavioral lessons, a Fitbit, and monthly coaching calls. Additional contact via calls, texts, or emails may be provided if participants struggle to meet their activity goals.
Monthly coaching calls plus ongoing remote support as needed
Duration - 6 months
Participants are monitored for physical function, health-related quality of life, pain intensity, and depression symptoms up to 12 months from baseline to assess longer-term outcomes after the treatment period.
Assessments at 12 months post-baseline
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina, United States, 29208
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Ellen Wingard
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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