Intensive Lifestyle Interventions Improve Exercise Tolerance Of All Participants

Abstract

PURPOSE: Metabolic equivalents (MetS) correlate with exercise capacity and to a certain degree can predict future outcomes, like cardiovascular events. The purpose of the study is to document the effect of multifactorial residential lifestyle intervention in Weimar, CA and how it affected MetS of participants. METHODS: The program included three daily buffet-like plant-based meals with no snacks, 2 to 3 times a day sessions of exercise (aerobic and anaerobic), massage, hydrotherapy, medical and spiritual interventions. The program is summarized in the word NEWSTART: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, proper Sunlight exposure, fresh Air, Rest and Trust (relational, spiritual, and psychological aspects). Board certified physicians monitored patient progress. Nutritionist, exercise physiologist, psychological, and chaplaincy care also intervened. An educational emphasis was given during the program, health lectures twice a day and various cooking classes are given to encourage long-term adherence to the new lifestyle. Blood test were also taken at baseline and at the end. Data from 11 years of retrospective data was used, 1183 patients finished the program with a pre and post stress test, that also measured MetS. RESULTS:Average age of patients was 59.3 (SD 14.9), 64% were females, 91.5% of them were Americans. At baseline MetS group average was 7.9, SD 3.1, min 1.3, max 21, median 7.3, mode 7. Baseline group average weight (lb) was 180.7, SD 54.4, min 73, max 550, median 171, mode 160. Baseline average BMI was 28.7, SD 7.7, median 27.4. At the end of the 18-day program, MetS group average was 9.5, SD 3.3, min 2, max 22, median 9.2, mode 10. Weight group average at the end was 175.7, SD 59.2, min 74, max 510, median 167, mode 151. End average BMI was 28, SD 7.7, median 26.6. CONCLUSIONS: The 18-day intervention is an effective way of increasing exercise capacity and decreasing weight while equipping the patient to continue with the lifestyle changes at home. The end average MetS of 9.5 was important since a 10 to 11 MetS is considered good exercise capacity and may decrease mortality. Further follow-up is planned.