Charleston, W.V. (AP) -- West Virginia University and the state want to help people with arthritis have active lifestyles.

The Department of Health and Human Resources plans to offer a free six-month exercise program called Enhancedfitness at 11 sites in eight counties.

WVU will train instructors for the program next week in Charleston. Dina Jones, Director of Clinical Research in the WVU School of Medicine's Department of Orthopedics, will study the program and how it can help people with arthritis.

Enhancedfitness focuses on increasing strength, improving balance and increasing energy levels.

The DHHR says 37 percent of West Virginia adults have been diagnosed with arthritis, the highest rate in the nation.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)