Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Change Research Articles

A pilot study of Keto Prescribed+: A healthy thinking and eating educational program for African American women.

African American (AA) women have the highest prevalence of obesity in addition to health disparities in preventable diet-related diseases (i.e., diabetes, hypertension), which places them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the Keto Prescribed+ (KetoRx+) program on associated physical and psychosocial outcomes among this population. The KetoRx+ program is a healthy eating and thinking educational intervention. The program combined online and in-person community group sessions over 8 weeks. The Keto Prescribed+ was found to be feasible and acceptable with comments on ways to increase acceptability from participants completing program (n = 10). Physical outcomes changed showed an average decrease in weight of 10lbs (SD = 5), baseline average 226lbs. Waist-to-hip ratio and systolic blood pressure also trended down. Psychosocial outcomes showed improvement trends. The KetoRx+ program is feasible and acceptable for overweight or obese AA women. Preliminary efficacy was established for most physical and psychosocial outcomes. However, more research is needed to identify specific program components contributing to healthy lifestyle behavior change and to establish program efficacy and effectiveness. Culturally adapted community-based biopsychosocial interventions using ketogenic nutrition therapy may help improve cardiovascular health of adult AA women.

Abstract 12594: Comparison of Effects of Face-to-Face and Online Community-Based Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Change Programs on Life Simple 7 Score in the Elderly

Introduction: The Life Simple 7 (LS7) score, developed by the American Heart Association, is a powerful predictor of an individual's cardiovascular health. It consists of seven key cardiovascular health metrics, including cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index, diet, smoking status, and physical activity levels. In-person behavior change programs that target LS7 may not be accessible to older people. Aims: Our aim was to compare the impact of face-to-face and online community-based programs on the LS7 score among elderly individuals. Methods: Elderly participants were recruited from local community centers and randomly assigned to either a face-to-face or online program group. The face-to-face group attended weekly sessions at the community center, while the online group received program content through a web-based platform. Changes in the LS7 score were measured at baseline and six weeks after the intervention. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare outcomes. Results: A total of 114 elderly individuals, with an average age of 71.75 ± 10.39 and 70.8% males, participated in the study (face-to-face group, n=48; online group, N=66. The findings indicate significant improvements in blood pressure (p=0.048), cholesterol (p=0.021), exercise (p=0.000), and diet scores (p=0.001). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups (F=0.16, p>.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that both modes of intervention are effective in improving cardiovascular health, highlighting the potential of online programs during times such as the COVID-19 pandemic or in rural areas.

A cluster randomized trial of a comprehensive intervention nesting family and clinic into school centered implementation to reduce myopia and obesity among children and adolescents in Beijing, China: study protocol

BackgroundMyopia and obesity in children and adolescents have become serious public health problems that endanger public health, especially in China. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are environmental drivers of both myopia and obesity. This protocol describes a study to evaluate the effectiveness of “22510SS”, that is 2 h of daytime outdoor activities (‘2’); Limit screen time to no more than 2 h per day (‘2’); Consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily (‘5’); Attain 1 h of physical activity daily (‘1’); Consume 0 sugar-sweetened beverages (‘0’); Reasonable sleep duration (‘S’); Regular supervision (‘S’). A school-based, multifaceted intervention strategy for myopia and obesity prevention, and to assess and explore the implementation of “22510SS” with regards to acceptability, feasibility, adoption, usage and maintenance.Methods and analysisThis study aims to develop a comprehensive intervention strategy "22510SS" based on the socio-ecological model, and A two-arm cluster randomized trial with a parallel-group of a 1:1 allocation ratio in 36 primary and secondary schools to test its evidence-based intervention programs on the effects and implementation of myopia and obesity epidemics in children and adolescents in grades 4 and 7. The primary outcomes will include differences in visual acuity, body mass index, outdoor activity indicators, screen time, fruit and vegetable intake, high-quality protein intake, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, sleep duration, and level of monitoring among children and adolescents. Secondary outcomes will assess the acceptability, feasibility, uptake, use, and maintenance of the intervention. Effects on the primary and secondary outcomes will be analyzed using linear and logistic regression analyses, as well as difference-in-difference analysis, taking into account cluster effects and possible confounding factors. Process assessments will also be conducted through quantitative and qualitative analyses, including acceptability, feasibility, gender, adoption, implementation, and sustainability.DiscussionThis study will evaluate the effectiveness of “22510SS” and examine its implementation in the school-based network nesting family and clinic. Following this intervention study, the integrated intervention program focused on myopia and obesity among children and adolescents have great potential to be implemented in China to promote and support healthy lifestyle behavior change and reduce the risk of myopia and obesity in children and adolescents.Trial registrationNCT05275959. Registered 23 Mach 2022.

Understanding the Underlying Mechanisms of Action for Successful Implementation of Social Prescribing

There is growing evidence for the use of social prescribing as a means of facilitating healthy lifestyle behavior changes by linking patients to sources of support in the community. However, there are gaps in understanding about what works to facilitate and enable this behavior change i.e. , the mechanisms of actions underpinning social prescribing delivery. This study used a qualitative approach involving interviews with 18 Social Prescription Link Workers (SPLWs). Reflective thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Through this, an overall theme of “Theoretical underpinning: Solution-focused and strengths-based” was identified. This was made up of sub-themes relating to mechanisms underpinning: the SPLWs’ role (comprising asking questions, motivational interviewing and the therapeutic alliance); the patients’ role, (empowerment and active engagement); and the approach adopted (solution building, goal and action orientated). To formalize this, a framework could be developed for SPLWs that encapsulates the solution-focused strengths-based approach for application within social prescribing. This framework can then be embedded into practice facilitating more successful healthy lifestyle behavior change for social prescribing patients.

Abstract MP31: Telehealth Versus Self-directed Lifestyle Intervention To Promote Healthy Blood Pressure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Telehealth and web-based applications are increasingly available to promote healthy lifestyle behavior change. However, evidence that these approaches lower blood pressure is limited. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy of a self-directed vs. a telehealth-delivered dietitian approach using web-based applications in 187 participants (mean age 54.6 y, 52% female) with 24-hour systolic blood pressure (BP) 120-160 mmHg. Participants were recruited in the Geisinger Health System from 1/2019 to 3/2021. Both study arms received personalized recommendations to improve dietary quality based on web-based food frequency questionnaire, and access to an online comprehensive weight management program. The telehealth arm additionally received weekly telephone calls with a dietitian who used motivational interviewing. The primary outcome was 3-month change in 24-hour systolic BP. Secondary outcomes included changes in awake and sleep BP, self-reported physical activity, healthy eating index (HEI)-2015 score, and weight. Results: Twenty-four hour systolic BP improved in both the telehealth-dietitian arm (-6.5 mmHg, 95% CI: -8.4, -4.6) and the self-directed arm (-4.9, 95% CI: -7.0, -2.8), with no difference between arms (p=0.3). Participants in the telehealth-dietitian arm had significantly greater decreases in sleep systolic BP (mean -6.9 mmHg vs. -1.5; p=0.004) and diastolic BP (-3.3 mmHg vs. 0.7; p=0.001). The telehealth-dietitian arm tended to have greater improvements in self-reported physical activity, weight loss, and HEI-2015 score (Figure). Participant satisfaction with the intervention was higher in the telehealth-dietitian arm (p=0.004). Conclusions: Among individuals with elevated BP, the telehealth-dietitian intervention did not lower 24-hour systolic BP compared to the self-directed arm over 3 months. However, there were encouraging changes in other outcomes, including reduced sleep systolic and diastolic BP and increased physical activity.

Supporting Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Change in Hypertension Patients

Hypertension is one of the most common health conditions and comorbidities, and is considered a silent killer. One of the non-pharmacological efforts to help hypertensive patients control their blood pressure is through changes in lifestyle to become healthier, and it is the role of nurses to promote these changes. This study aimed to determine the impact of the Healthy Lifestyle Change Plan (RPGHS) card on healthy lifestyle behaviors of hypertension sufferers. This research was a pre-experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of 36 patients recruited through purposive sampling. The data were collected using an observation sheet (RPGHS card) which was used to identify the lifestyle of people with hypertension; lifestyle behaviors measured included maintaining an ideal body weight, salt consumption, stress management, smoking habits, physical activity, and checking blood pressure. Assistance was carried out for two days. Data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov Smirnov test and paired t-test, which showed that there was a significant difference in healthy lifestyle behaviors before and after the mentoring (p < 0.001). The RPGHS card made it easy for patients to plan healthier lifestyle changes to implement in daily life. So, this is recommended as an instrument to help hypertensive patients in the process of behavior change.
 Keywords: hypertension, healthy lifestyle, change, RPGHS Card

Conversational Agent for Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Change: Web-Based Feasibility Study.

BackgroundThe rising incidence of chronic diseases is a growing concern, especially in Singapore, which is one of the high-income countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes. Interventions that promote healthy lifestyle behavior changes have been proven to be effective in reducing the progression of prediabetes to diabetes, but their in-person delivery may not be feasible on a large scale. Novel technologies such as conversational agents are a potential alternative for delivering behavioral interventions that promote healthy lifestyle behavior changes to the public.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using a conversational agent promoting healthy lifestyle behavior changes in the general population in Singapore.MethodsWe performed a web-based, single-arm feasibility study. The participants were recruited through Facebook over 4 weeks. The Facebook Messenger conversational agent was used to deliver the intervention. The conversations focused on diet, exercise, sleep, and stress and aimed to promote healthy lifestyle behavior changes and improve the participants’ knowledge of diabetes. Messages were sent to the participants four times a week (once for each of the 4 topics of focus) for 4 weeks. We assessed the feasibility of recruitment, defined as at least 75% (150/200) of our target sample of 200 participants in 4 weeks, as well as retention, defined as 33% (66/200) of the recruited sample completing the study. We also assessed the participants’ satisfaction with, and usability of, the conversational agent. In addition, we performed baseline and follow-up assessments of quality of life, diabetes knowledge and risk perception, diet, exercise, sleep, and stress.ResultsWe recruited 37.5% (75/200) of the target sample size in 1 month. Of the 75 eligible participants, 60 (80%) provided digital informed consent and completed baseline assessments. Of these 60 participants, 56 (93%) followed the study through till completion. Retention was high at 93% (56/60), along with engagement, denoted by 50% (30/60) of the participants communicating with the conversational agent at each interaction. Acceptability, usability, and satisfaction were generally high. Preliminary efficacy of the intervention showed no definitive improvements in health-related behavior.ConclusionsThe delivery of a conversational agent for healthy lifestyle behavior change through Facebook Messenger was feasible and acceptable. We were unable to recruit our planned sample solely using the free options in Facebook. However, participant retention and conversational agent engagement rates were high. Our findings provide important insights to inform the design of a future randomized controlled trial.

Behavior Change Interventions for Health Promotion in Physical Therapist Research and Practice: An Integrative Approach.

There is an increasing focus on health promotion in physical therapist research and practice. A clinical model (Health-Focused Physical Therapy Model) was developed for identifying major steps in the delivery of health promotion focusing on adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors. One of the primary steps within this model is the design and delivery of behavior change interventions. Such interventions involve coordinated sets of activities that target change in a specific pattern of unhealthy behavior (eg, physical inactivity, smoking). This Perspective contends that the science and practice of behavior change interventions can be significantly advanced in the field of physical therapy (implementation science) through the integration of behavior change frameworks and techniques within the context of an experimental medicine approach for health behavior change. This perspective presents the integration of the Theoretical Domains Framework, the Behavior Change Wheel, including the Capability Opportunity Motivation-Behavior core system, and the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy as a comprehensive approach for designing and delivering behavior change interventions in physical therapy. An experimental medicine approach is described, outlining a 4-step process in the design, delivery, and evaluation of behavior change interventions that can be applied to health promotion in physical therapist research and practice. The proposed integrative approach can advance public health and health promotion through healthy lifestyle behavior change in the field of physical therapy.

Adolescents as Agents of Parental Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Change: COPE Healthy Lifestyles TEEN Program.

Obesity is a leading health crisis around the world. An intervention strategy scarcely utilized for behavior change is that of a child as change agent. The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of teens reviewing newsletters from a healthy lifestyle intervention with their parents. Evaluation data from a randomized controlled trial, COPE Healthy Lifestyle TEEN Program, was analyzed. A descriptive study was conducted of parents' and teens' lifestyle behaviors as reported by parents. One hundred sixty-nine parents completed evaluations. Two thirds of parents reported changing a behavior as a result of the program. Nearly three quarters of parents reported behavior changes in their teens. Over 90% reported they would recommend this or a similar program. The obesity epidemic shows no signs of reversal, and hence multiple approaches to impact healthy lifestyles are urgent. Including children as a change agent is a potential target for interventions addressing obesity.

A Web-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention With Email Reminders to Enhance Subjective Well-Being and Encourage Engagement With Lifestyle Behavior Change in Health Care Staff: Randomized Cluster Feasibility Stud.

BackgroundPoor mental health and emotional well-being can negatively impact ability to engage in healthy lifestyle behavior change. Health care staff have higher rates of sickness and absence than other public sector staff, which has implications at both individual and societal levels. Individual efforts to self-manage health and well-being which add to the UK mental health prevention agenda need to be supported.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to establish the feasibility and acceptability of the inclusion of a self-guided, automated, web-based acceptance and commitment therapy intervention in an existing health promotion program, to improve subjective well-being and encourage engagement with lifestyle behavior change.MethodsFor this 12-week, 4-armed, randomized controlled cluster feasibility study, we recruited participants offline and randomly allocated them to 1 of 3 intervention arms or control (no well-being intervention) using an automated web-based allocation procedure. Eligibility criteria were current health care staff in 1 Welsh health board, age≥18 years, ability to read English, and ability to provide consent. The primary researcher was blinded to cluster allocation. Feasibility outcomes were randomization procedure, acceptance of intervention, and adherence to and engagement with the wider program. We evaluated health and well-being data via self-assessment at 2 time points, registration and postintervention, using the 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and the 7-item Acceptance and Action Questionnaire—Revised.ResultsOf 124 participants who provided consent and were randomly allocated, 103 completed full registration and engaged with the program. Most participants (76/103) enrolled in at least one health behavior change module, and 43% (41/96) of those randomly allocated to an intervention arm enrolled in the well-being module. Adherence and engagement was low (7/103, 6.8%), but qualitative feedback was positive.ConclusionsThe procedure and randomization process proved feasible, and the addition of the well-being module proved acceptable to health care staff. However, participant engagement was limited, and no one completed the full 12-week program. User feedback should be used to develop the intervention to address poor engagement. Effectiveness should then be evaluated in a full-scale randomized controlled trial, which would be feasible with additional recruitment.Trial RegistrationInternational Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) 50074817; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN50074817

Feasibility of a behavioral automaticity intervention among African Americans at risk for metabolic syndrome

BackgroundTargeting habit-development (behavioral automaticity) as part of healthy lifestyle behavior change interventions may improve the adoption and maintenance of healthful behaviors. Few studies, however, have evaluated the feasibility of using a habit-development approach to foster the adoption of recommended physical activity and dietary behaviors. We report quantitative and qualitative data from a feasibility study evaluating a habit-formation intervention to foster healthy dietary and physical activity habits among middle aged African Americans with metabolic syndrome.MethodsUsing a non-comparative design we evaluated the feasibility an 8-week, hybrid format (telecoaching and face-to-face sessions), habit-focused intervention targeting the development of healthful dietary and physical activity habit development among 24 African Americans aged 40 and older with metabolic syndrome recruited from the emergency department – a setting where individuals in under-resourced communities often go for primary care. We administered behavioral automaticity measures tailored to participants’ self-selected habits biweekly during the intervention and collected clinical outcomes of systolic blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, and BMI at baseline week 20.ResultsParticipant attrition from the program was high (~ 50%). Despite high levels of attrition, 92% of intervention completers were extremely satisfied with the program. Intervention completers also experienced gains in behavioral automaticity for both dietary and physical activity habits. Overall, higher levels of adherence were associated with higher positive gains in automaticity with the statistical significance of the associations being more pronounced for physical activity habit plans relative to dietary habit plans.ConclusionsOur preliminary data support a habit-development approach for fostering the adoption of healthful dietary and physical activity habits. However, in this pilot study high rates of attrition were seen, suggesting that strategies to improve retention and participant engagement should be included in future studies, particularly when targeting African American emergency department patients.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03370419 Registered 12/11/2017, retrospectively registered.

Abstract P144: The Effect of a Community-Based Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Change Program on Simple 7 Score Among Rural Women

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a multilevel healthy lifestyle behavior change program for women living in rural areas where higher rates of cardiovascular disease are influenced by poverty, reduced access to health care and unique social and built environment challenges. Methods: In eleven medically underserved rural towns in New York, 182 overweight and obese sedentary women 40 years and older enrolled in a community-randomized trial. Communities randomized to Group 1 (intervention) participated in six months of hour-long, twice weekly experiential learning classes that included progressive strength training, aerobic exercise and skill-based nutrition education (individual level), and a civic engagement curriculum focused on healthy food and physical activity environments (social, community and policy levels); classes were facilitated by local health educators trained by the research team. Communities randomized to Group 2 (delayed intervention control) received the intervention immediately following the completion of intervention activities for Group 1. All components of the Simple 7 score were recorded at baseline (prior to randomization) and at six months (post-intervention for Group 1, pre-intervention for Group 2). Weight, height, blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood glucose were measured directly and smoking status, diet and physical activity were self-reported. Multivariate regression analyses were used to examine change in Simple 7 score from baseline to outcome. Initial models controlled for study site, baseline Simple 7 score, education and age, and were based on the 107 participants with complete data. Results: Simple 7 scores were similar for both groups prior to randomization (7.91 for Group 1, 7.83 for Group 2). At the end of the six month intervention period for Group 1, the Simple 7 score for Group 2 was unchanged (7.85) but increased to 8.98 for Group 1 participants (p=0.02 for the difference between groups in Simple 7 change). The percentage of Group 1 participants in the optimal range of scores (10-14) rose from 14.8% to 37.0%. The Simple 7 components showing the greatest improvement were BMI, physical activity and healthy diet score. Additional analyses will assess potential bias associated with incomplete data and will examine evidence for the validity of self-reports on physical activity and diet. Conclusion: The multilevel healthy lifestyle program is feasible for implementation in rural settings with limited resources and showed promise for reducing cardiovascular disease risk in midlife and older rural overweight and obese women.

The Feasibility of Using Facebook, Craigslist, and Other Online Strategies to Recruit Young African American Women for a Web-Based Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Change Intervention.

Reports describing successful recruiting of minority participants are available; however, they focus largely on traditional strategies. Internet and mobile devices are widely used, providing alternative approaches, yet less information is available describing the success of these approaches. This article (1) evaluates the feasibility of using online advertising as a recruiting modality for a healthy lifestyle behavior change intervention targeting young African American women and (2) describes lessons learned to better inform researchers for future directions. African American women, aged 18 to 45 years, with untreated prehypertension and Internet access were eligible for a 12-week randomized study providing physical activity or nutrition behavior change education delivered via online modules. Traditional strategies included flyers, tabletop cards, blood pressure screenings, health fairs, and clinics. Online-related strategies included posting ads on Facebook, Craigslist, and on the university Web site, intranet, and "on-hold" telephone line. Descriptive statistics were used to identify frequency of recruitment strategies. χ Analysis was used to assess differences between enrolled and nonenrolled inquiries. Among all 176 inquiries, the most frequented strategies were the university Web site (44%), blood pressure screenings (15%), Facebook/Craigslist (13%), and clinics (12%). Enrollment rates differed across recruitment strategies (χ P = .046). The 3 highest enrollment rates were (1) employee in-services (100%), (2) flyers/tabletop cards (31.6%), and (3) word of mouth/physician referral (25%). Online-related strategies are convenient and have great potential for reaching large numbers of people. However, the actual rate of participants successfully enrolled online was proportionally smaller when compared with traditional recruiting strategies.

Digital technology ownership, usage, and factors predicting downloading health apps among caucasian, filipino, korean, and latino americans: the digital link to health survey.

BackgroundInterventions using mobile health (mHealth) apps have been effective in promoting healthy lifestyle behavior change and hold promise in improving health outcomes to thereby reduce health disparities among diverse racial/ethnic populations, particularly Latino and Asian American subgroups (Filipinos and Koreans) at high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Latinos and Asian Americans are avid digital technology owners and users. However, limited datasets exist regarding digital technology ownership and use, especially among specific racial/ethnic subgroups. Such information is needed to inform development of culturally tailored mHealth tools for use with lifestyle interventions promoting healthy behaviors for these at-risk racial/ethnic populations.ObjectiveThe intent of the study was to examine (1) digital technology ownership and usage, and (2) factors predicting downloading health apps for Caucasian, Filipino, Korean, and Latino American subgroups.MethodsA cross-sectional survey conducted in August 2013 through December 2013 recruited 904 participants (Caucasians n=172, Filipinos n=250, Koreans n=234, and Latinos n=248), age >18 years, from California community events, clinics, churches, and online. English, Spanish, and Korean surveys were administered via paper or online. Descriptive statistics characterized the sociodemographics and digital technology ownership/usage of the 904 participants. Differences among groups in categorical variables were examined using chi-square statistics. Logistic regression was used to determine factors predicting downloading health apps.ResultsOverall, mean age was 44 years (SD 16.1), with 64.3% (581/904) female. Only 44.7% (404/904) of all participants reported English as their primary language (Caucasian 98.3%, 169/172; Filipino 67.6%, 169/250; Korean 9.4%, 22/234, and Latino 17.7%, 44/248. Overall, mobile phone ownership was 92.8% (839/904). Compared to all groups, Koreans were more likely to own a mobile phone (82.8%, 194/234), computer (91.4%, 214/234), or tablet (55.2%, 129/234), whereas Latinos (67.5%, 167/248; 65.3%, 162/248; 24.4%, 61/248, respectively) were least likely. Internet access via mobile phones (90.5%, 818/904) was higher than computers (78.6%, 711/904). Odds of downloading health apps increased with college (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.44-4.80) or graduate school (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.43-6.00) compared to some high school; and family history of heart attack (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.16-3.51). Odds of downloading health apps were reduced with: race/ethnicity, Latino (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.20-0.69), and Korean (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31-0.88) compared to Caucasians; increasing age (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.97); and completing paper surveys (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.34-0.75).ConclusionsThis survey study uniquely targeted specific racial/ethnic subgroups. Results indicated that despite a narrowing racial/ethnic “digital divide”, some disparities still exist, particularly among racial/ethnic groups with less education and whose primary language is not English. Findings will be used to inform development and evaluation of culturally tailored mHealth apps for use with interventions promoting healthy behavior change for Filipinos, Koreans, and Latinos.

Imagine HEALTH: results from a randomized pilot lifestyle intervention for obese Latino adolescents using Interactive Guided ImagerySM

BackgroundThere is an urgent need for innovative and developmentally appropriate lifestyle interventions to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and to prevent the early onset of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk in obese Latino adolescents. Guided imagery offers promise to reduce stress and promote lifestyle behavior change to reduce disease risk in obese adolescents. Our objectives were: 1) To pilot test a new 12-wk lifestyle intervention using a randomized trial design in obese Latino adolescents, in order to determine the effects of the mind-body modality of Interactive Guided ImagerySM (IGI), over and above those of a didactic lifestyle education, on insulin resistance, eating and physical activity behaviors, stress and stress biomarkers; and 2) To explore the role of intervention-related changes in stress and stress biomarkers on changes in metabolic outcomes, particularly insulin resistance.MethodsObese (BMI > 95th percentile), Latino adolescents (n = 35, age 14-17) were randomized to receive either 12 weekly sessions of a lifestyle education plus guided imagery program (GI), or lifestyle education plus a digital storytelling computer program (DS). Between-group differences in behavioral, biological, and psychological outcomes were assessed using unpaired T-tests and ANCOVA in the 29 subjects who completed the intervention.ResultsThe GI group demonstrated significant reductions in leisure sedentary behavior (p < .05) and increases in moderate physical activity (p < .05) compared to DS group, and a trend toward reduced caloric intake in GI vs DS (p = .09). Salivary cortisol was acutely reduced by stress-reduction guided imagery (p < .01). There were no group differences in adiposity, insulin resistance, perceived stress, or stress biomarkers across the 12-week intervention, though decrease in serum cortisol over the course of the intervention was associated with improved insulin sensitivity (p = .03) independent of intervention group and other relevant co-variates.ConclusionsThe improvements in physical activity and stress biomarkers following this pilot intervention support the role of guided imagery in promoting healthy lifestyle behavior change and reducing metabolic disease risk in obese Latino adolescent populations. Future investigations will be needed to determine the full effects of the Imagine HEALTH intervention on insulin resistance, stress, and stress biomarkers.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov Registry #: NCT01895595

The impact of weight and fat mass loss and increased physical activity on physical function in overweight, postmenopausal women

The aim of this study was to determine whether changes in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and body composition reflect concomitant changes in 400-meter walk time. Data were collected at the baseline and 48-month visits in the Women on the Move Through Activity and Nutrition study. At baseline, participants (n = 508) were randomized to the lifestyle intervention or health education group. The lifestyle intervention focused on weight (7%-10%) and waist circumference reduction through healthy lifestyle behavior change. Change in walk time over 48 months was the primary outcome. Secondary measures included change in LTPA and body composition measures including, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry--derived fat and lean mass. Increased LTPA and reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass were associated with decreased walk time from baseline to 48 months (P < 0.01). After stratification by group, LTPA was no longer significantly related to walk time in the health education group. Increased LTPA and weight loss resulted in improved physical function, as measured by the 400-meter walk, in a group of overweight, postmenopausal women. These findings support the use of the 400-meter walk to evaluate progress in physical activity or weight loss programs.

Correlates Among Healthy Lifestyle Cognitive Beliefs, Healthy Lifestyle Choices, Social Support, and Healthy Behaviors in Adolescents: Implications for Behavioral Change Strategies and Future Research

Introduction The foundation for healthy lifestyle behaviors begins in childhood. As such, the relationships among cognitive beliefs, healthy lifestyle choices, and healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents have been explored. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships among cognitive variables, social support, and healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents. Method A descriptive correlational design was used for this study. Students from two high schools in the Southwest United States were recruited to participate (N = 404). Results Significant correlations existed among cognitive variables, social support, behavioral skills, and health lifestyle behaviors. Discussion This study demonstrated that cognitive beliefs about leading a healthy lifestyle, including attitudes and intended choices, are related to physical activity as well as the intake of fruits and vegetables. In working with adolescents on healthy lifestyle behavior change, it is important to implement strategies to strengthen their cognitive beliefs about their ability to make healthy choices and engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors. Strengthening these beliefs should lessen their perception that these behaviors are difficult to perform, which ultimately should result in healthy behaviors.

Obesity in youth: implications for the advanced practice nurse in primary care.

To discuss the advanced practice nurse's diagnosis and management of obesity in youth in primary care. Review of current scientific literature, practice guidelines, and a case study. Obesity in youth is difficult to manage. Recent research suggests a genetic and environmental etiology associated with impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Nutrition education, increasing physical activity, decreasing sedentary behaviors, and behavioral modification have been used with varying success. Management is directed at healthy lifestyle behavior change for youth and their families. If obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia are left untreated, youth may develop type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease later in life and suffer early morbidity and mortality.