Data from the Hispanic National Needs Assessment study revealed arthritis to be the most prevalent chronic disease among elderly Hispanic Americans, followed by hypertension and diabetes. Unfortunately, there are few studies that have examined the impact of physical activity on arthritis symptoms for this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the National Arthritis Foundation’s land-based exercise program People With Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE) on the disease symptoms experienced by Hispanic women with Osteoarthritis. Fifty-seven women, mean age of 59, diagnosed with Osteoarthritis were randomly divided into experimental (n=30) and control groups (n=29). The experimental group exercised three times a week for 60 minutes, while the control group subjects were asked to maintain their normal activity levels and informed that they would rotate into the exercise sessions in four months. The Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS) was administered before and after the 16-week program and provided estimates of health status for nine scales: mobility, physical activity, dexterity, household activity, activities of daily living, social activity, anxiety, depression and pain. The data was analyzed using a 2X2 repeated measures ANOVA. Results demonstrated no significant changes in any health status components from pre-to-posttest in the control group. No significant differences between the experimental and control groups were found at preexercise. However, at the culmination of the program the experimental group experienced a significant increase in social activity [F (1,55)=68.2, p<.01], a significant decrease in pain [F (1,55)=7.91, p<.01], depression [F (1,55)=7.49, p<.01], and anxiety [F (1,55)=67.77, p<.01]. Results demonstrate that participation in physical activity, that is specifically designed for individuals with arthritis, can promote healthy behaviors to help manage and cope with disease symptoms associated with this chronic condition. Perceived barriers to participation in similar programs by Hispanic women must be recognized and removed or reduced when possible.Keyword(s): multiculturalism/cultural diversity, older adult/aging issues, physical activity