Changes in Physical Function and Body Composition among Group Lifestyle Balance Program Participants with Arthritis

Abstract

Weight loss through diet and physical activity (PA) is recommended for osteoarthritis (OA) management. The Group Lifestyle Balance Program (GLBP) is an evidence-based, behavior change program designed to promote weight loss in individuals with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome through PA and healthy eating. To date, the GLBP has not been evaluated on those with OA specifically. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of the GLBP on measures of body composition and physical function (PF) in overweight and obese (BMI > 27) individuals with OA (N=15). METHODS: This study used a single-group, quasi-experimental design with repeated measures. All participants received the GLBP and outcome variables were obtained at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), and body fat percentage (BF%) were obtained via bioelectric impedance. Total weight (WT), Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) were also obtained. Measures of PF included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), grip strength (GS), 30-second chair stand test (CS30), and the Long Distance Corridor Walk (LDCW). The SPPB includes the time to complete 5 repeated chair stands (5CS), balance testing (side-by-side stand, semi-tandem stand, and tandem stand), and an 8-foot walk. The Friedman test was used to examine differences in SPPB scores and one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine mean differences in scores for all other outcomes. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 70.20 ± 3.95 years and were primarily white (93%), female (80%) and college educated (67%). There was a significant effect of time for WT (F(1.448, 20.275) = 6.591, p = .011), BMI (F(1.529, 21.408) = 6.474, p = .010), and WC (F(2.898, 40.566) = 4.826, p = .006). Bonferroni post hoc analyses indicated WT (p = .001), BMI (p = .002), and WC (p = .022) significantly improved from baseline to 3 months. There was also a significant effect of time for 5CS (F(3, 42) = 3.190, p = .033) and CS30 (F(3, 42) = 6.956, p = .001). Post hoc analyses indicated CS30 scores significantly improved from baseline to 3 months and from baseline to 12 months (p = .007). There were no significant differences observed for any other outcome measure (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The GLBP may be effective at improving weight and physical function measures in people with OA, but more research is warranted.