Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP)

About the program: The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) is a community-based, group program that uses a variety of water-based exercises to increase physical activity among adults with arthritis.

• AFAP is offered in some YMCAs and by other community organizations.
• Note: Participants do not need to know how to swim to participate in AFAP.

Objectives:

To increase:

• Range of motion.
• Muscle strength.
• Moderate intensity endurance.
• Day to day function.
• Self-confidence.
• Self-care behaviors.

To reduce:

• Fatigue.
• Pain.
• Stiffness.

Target Audience:

• Adults with arthritis.
• Older adults.

Key Activities:

• Range of motion exercises.
• Muscle strengthening exercises.
• Optional moderate intensity endurance exercises.
• Socialization activities.

Setting: Community/ Group-based workshop.

Suggested class size: No more than 20 participants.

Duration: One hour, 2-3 times a week, for 6-10 weeks.

Cost:

• Participant cost: Varies.
• Leader/ Host Cost:
  • Training fees range from $99 to $129. Learn more about becoming an AFAP leaderexternal icon.
  • Participant manuals for each participant are $2.30 per person.
  • Other materials for participants as needed.
  • Note: The Aquatic Exercise Association offers trainings for both the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program or just the exercise program.

Program Requirements:

• One Arthritis Foundation certified instructor per class who must commit to teaching at least one class series per year. Learn more about becoming an AFAP leaderexternal icon.
• Instructors must take Arthritis Foundation training, and must be re-certified every two years.
• Instructor must have CPR certification and be able to swim.
• The facility must have either a lifeguard or water safety certification (water safety or lifeguard certification may be available from the Y).
• No license is required, but class must take place in a facility or organization that has a cosponsor agreement with the Arthritis Foundation.
• Physical requirements: a warm swimming pool (83-90 degrees), water should go to at least shoulder level, pool must meet state pool safety requirements.
• Option exercise equipment: Flotation belts or vests, kickboards, noodles or noodle bars, webbed gloves, upper body trainers, paddles.

More Information:

• AFAP—Information for Health Care Providers pdf icon[PDF – 499KB]external icon
• Find a program near you, go to the Arthritis Foundation Resource Finderexternal icon.
• Become an AFAP Leaderexternal icon