Dose Response of Exercise for Arthritis Management (DREAM) Study
The DREAM study is a physical activity program designed specifically for adults with arthritis. Research has shown that physical activity is beneficial for adults with arthritis, but there is little information on how much physical activity is needed to help manage the symptoms. The purpose of the study is to see how 3 different levels of physical activity (45 minutes/week, 90 minutes/week, or 150 minutes/week) influence arthritis symptoms.
Each participant will be randomized to participate in 1 of the 3 different levels of physical activity (45 minutes/week, 90 minutes/week, or 150 minutes/week). “Randomized” means participants cannot choose which level they receive. To help participants reach their randomized goals, everyone will receive a 6-month physical activity program. All participants will receive the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease Guidebook, educational lessons, monthly telephone calls with a coach, and a Fitbit. Participants may also receive additional calls, texts, or emails throughout the month if they are struggling to meet their goals. The program and materials are offered at no cost to participants.
In addition to the program, participants will be asked to come to USC’s Columbia campus 4 times over 12 months for an in-person assessment (visits are every 6 months). Each visit will last 45 to 60 minutes. Total participation will last 12 months.
Participate
Enrollment is currently OPEN for DREAM! If you would like to participate, please review the eligibility criteria below to ensure that you’re able to participate and then CLICK HERE to complete the participant screening survey.
Eligibility
- Are ≥18 years and have arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia
- Are willing to attend 4 in-person research study visits at USC’s Columbia campus
- Currently exercise little to none each week
- Have a smartphone compatible with Fitbit
- Able to read and write in English
- Are willing to be randomly assigned to 1 of the activity levels (45 minutes/week, 90 minutes/week, or 150 minutes/week) and be willing to try your best to achieve whichever activity goal you are assigned
- Do not have uncontrolled hypertension
- Do not have another health condition, besides arthritis, that limits your movement
- Do not have serious cognitive impairment
- Are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant in the next 12 months
- Are not planning to relocate out of the Columbia, SC area in the next 12 months
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of this study?
DREAM is a research program designed especially for people who have arthritis to evaluate 3 different levels of activity and their effects on arthritis symptoms.
What’s the study about?
The study is comparing 3 different levels of physical activity (45 min/week, 90 min/week, and 150 min/week) and their effect on arthritis symptoms.
Will I get to pick which level of activity I participate in?
No. DREAM is a randomized controlled trial, which means that you will not be able to choose which level of activity you are asked to do.
What will be expected of me if I participate in this study?
You will be asked to:
Participate in brief phone calls with a health coach.
Monthly coaching calls generally last about 10-15 minutes (except the first coaching call that will last about 15-20 minutes) and are scheduled around your availability.
Participants will also receive additional assistance if they struggle to meet their weekly goal (e.g., texts, biweekly or weekly calls).
Track your behaviors (e.g., physical activity).
You will be asked to track your physical activity throughout the program. You will receive a Fitbit to support you with tracking.
Complete 4 study visits to help us learn about your function and arthritis symptoms.
Each visit will last about 45-60 minutes and occur at 6-month intervals:
- Visit 1 = prior to study start (baseline visit)
- Visit 2 = 1 week after baseline visit (randomization visit)
- Visit 3 = at month 6
- Visit 4 = at month 12 (final visit)
What do I do during the study visits?
During each visit, we will complete 2 brief tests of physical function, measure your height, weight, and blood pressure and ask you to complete surveys about your health and arthritis. The first visit will last about 60 minutes. The other visits will last about 45 minutes. We will also ask you to wear a small physical activity monitor around your waist under your clothes for 7 days. At the 6 Month visit, you will also be asked to report daily arthritis symptoms for 7 days using a smartphone app.
To thank you for your time, you will receive $25 for completing the 6-month assessment and $50 for completing the 12-month assessment. You will also receive $40 for completing additional questions daily on a smartphone app for 7 days after the 6-month visit. If you answer more than 70% of the questions, you will be entered into a quarterly raffle for a chance to win one of two $50 gift cards.
How will this study benefit me in managing my arthritis?
By taking part in this study, you may experience improvements in function, health-related quality of life, pain, and depression symptoms. Additionally, this research may be valuable for learning better ways to evaluate the effects of physical activity on arthritis symptoms.
Do I get to keep the technology/tools I receive?
If you are eligible and participate in the study, you will be able to keep the Fitbit, educational materials, and Walk with Ease book.
Where will I go for study visits? Will I have somewhere to park for the study visits?
Columbia participants:
- Study visits are held at the Public Health Research Center of the Arnold School of Public Health.
921 Assembly St
Columbia, SC 29208
- Parking is available behind the building at no cost.
What if I can no longer participate in the study after the program begins?
Participation in the DREAM is completely voluntary, and you can stop at any time. However, if you feel like you no longer want to or are not able to participate, we encourage you to express any concerns to our study staff prior to stopping.
What if I am interested in participating in the study?
If you would like to see if you qualify for this research study, please complete the following survey: CLICK HERE
If you have any questions, please contact us (dreamstudy@mailbox.sc.edu) or (803-777-1889).
Contact us
Want to learn more about our team? Click here
Want more information about the study or have questions? Fill out this contact form and someone will be in touch with you.