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 leader.
- 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 leader.
- 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:
- Find a program near you, go to the Arthritis Foundation Resource Finder.
- Become an AFAP Leader
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