Your browser is unsupported

We recommend using the latest version of IE11, Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

The Traditional Fit & Strong! Program

Our original in-person program has been offered to seniors throughout the country through our partner organizations.

All programs adhere to a core set of standards that ensure the maximum benefit to all participants.

Program Features
  • Evidence-based program
  • Designed to promote physical activity and
    behavior change for persons with osteoarthritis
  • 24 Sessions – 90 minutes each
  • First 60 minutes focus on flexibility, low-impact aerobics, and lower body function
  • Final 30 minutes focus on health education and group problem solving
  • Participants develop personalized action plans
  • Designed to be effective, fun, and engaging

Publications Heading link

Fitzgibbon, M. L., Tussing-Humphreys, L., Schiffer, L., Smith-Ray, R., Demott, A. D., Martinez, M., … & Hughes, S. L. (2018). Fit & strong! Plus: Descriptive demographic and risk characteristics in a comparative effectiveness trial for older African-American adults with osteoarthritis. The journal of aging research & clinical practice, 7(1), 9.  (Document will open in a new tab)

Hughes, S. L., Seymour, R. B., Campbell, R., Pollak, N., Huber, G., & Sharma, L. (2004). Impact of the fit and strong intervention on older adults with osteoarthritis. The Gerontologist, 44(2), 217-228.  (Document will open in a new tab)

Hughes, S. L., Williams, B., Molina, L. C., Bayles, C., Bryant, L. L., Harris, J. R., … & Watkins, K. (2005). Characteristics of physical activity programs for older adults: results of a multisite survey. The Gerontologist, 45(5), 667-675.  (Document will open in a new tab)

Hughes, S. L., Seymour, R. B., Campbell, R. T., Huber, G., Pollak, N., Sharma, L., & Desai, P. (2006). Long-term impact of Fit and Strong! on older adults with osteoarthritis. The Gerontologist, 46(6), 801-814.  (Document will open in a new tab)

Hughes, S. L., Seymour, R. B., Campbell, R. T., Desai, P., Huber, G., & Chang, H. J. (2010). Fit and strong: bolstering maintenance of physical activity among older adults with lower-extremity osteoarthritis. American journal of health behavior, 34(6), 750-763.  (Document will open in a new tab)

Hughes, S. L., Leith, K. H., Marquez, D. X., Moni, G., Nguyen, H. Q., Desai, P., & Jones, D. L. (2011). Physical activity and older adults: expert consensus for a new research agenda. The Gerontologist, 51(6), 822-832.  (Document will open in a new tab)

Learn about our other versions and adaptations... Heading link