Effectiveness of the VAMOS Strategy for Increasing Physical Activity and Healthy Dietary Habits: A Randomized Controlled Community Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Teresinha Meurer ◽  
Aline Cristine Souza Lopes ◽  
Fabio Araujo Almeida ◽  
Raquel de Deus Mendonça ◽  
Tânia Rosane Bertoldo Benedetti
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Community Trial

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the VAMOS strategy (Health-Improving Active Life) in improving physical activity (PA), dietary habits, and anthropometric variables of primary health care (PHC) users in Brazil. A randomized controlled community trial was conducted at two units of the Health Academy Program (HAP; a service provided by PHC), which were randomly assigned either to control group (CG) or intervention group (IG). Participants in both groups (CG = 156 and IG = 135) took part in physical activity classes provided by HAP facilities with those in IG also participating in the VAMOS strategy for 12 weeks. This strategy is based on social cognitive theory. The main behavioral constructs addressed were self-efficacy, goal setting, self-monitoring, identification of social support and barriers, and solutions for the identified barriers. Physical activity was measured with accelerometers, and nutritional status was assessed using dietary habits questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed that participants in IG increased the daily time of moderate-vigorous PA and the frequency of raw vegetable intake, while the intake of ultra-processed foods was reduced. Weight loss among participants who were classified as overweight/obese at baseline was observed in the intervention group compared to control. These results suggest that the VAMOS strategy was effective in increasing PA, healthy dietary habits, and decreasing weight among PHC users. Therefore, VAMOS could be used as a strategy to strengthen individuals’ autonomy regarding healthy choices and improve their overall health.

scholarly journals Influence of physical activity on periodontal health in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A blinded, randomized, controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Wernicke ◽  
J. Grischke ◽  
M. Stiesch ◽  
S. Zeissler ◽  
K. Krüger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Periodontal Health ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Hba1c Levels

Abstract Objectives The aim was to investigate the effect of physical activity on periodontal health and HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) over a period of 6 months. Materials and methods Thirty-seven patients with non-insulin-dependent T2DM were included in the study. The intervention group (n=20) performed physical activity over a period of 6 months. The control group (n=17) did not receive any intervention. Baseline and final examinations included dental parameters and concentrations of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Results Physical activity showed a positive effect on periodontal health. Both the BOP (p= 0.005) and the severity of periodontitis (p= 0.001) were significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group. Furthermore, HbA1c levels were reduced (p= 0.010) significantly in the intervention group while hsCRP levels significantly increased in the control group (p= 0.04). Conclusions Within the limitations of this randomized, controlled trial, physical activity over a period of 6 months is a health-promoting measure for patients with T2DM and improves both periodontal health and HbA1c concentrations.

scholarly journals Individual Diet Modification Reduces the Metabolic Syndrome in Patients Before Pharmacological Treatment

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 2102
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Elżbieta Zujko ◽  
Marta Rożniata ◽  
Kinga Zujko
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Fasting Glucose ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome

Modification of lifestyle, including healthy nutrition, is the primary approach for metabolic syndrome (MetS) therapy. The aim of this study was to estimate how individual nutrition intervention affects the reduction of MetS components. Subjects diagnosed with MetS were recruited in the Lomza Medical Centre. The study group consisted of 90 participants and was divided into one intervention group (individual nutrition education group (INEG)) and one control group (CG). The research was conducted over 3 months. The following measurements were obtained during the first visit and after completion of the 3 months intervention: body mass, waist circumference, body composition, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and blood lipids. Dietary assessments were performed before and post-intervention using 3-day 24-h dietary recalls. Dietary knowledge was evaluated with the KomPAN questionnaire. The total polyphenol content of the diet was calculated. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were collected from a self-reported questionnaire. The physical activity was assessed by the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). It was found that the individual nutrition education was an effective method to improve the knowledge, dietary habits, and physical activity of the study participants. The modification of the diet in terms of higher intake of polyphenols (flavonoids and anthocyanins), fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), PUFA n-3, and lower intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) had a significant impact on the improvement of some MetS risk factors (waist circumference, fasting glucose, and HDL-cholesterol).

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a psychological online training to promote physical activity among students: protocol of a randomized-controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Violetta Krämer ◽  
Nadine Eschrig ◽  
Lena Keinhorst ◽  
Luisa Schöchlin ◽  
Lisa Stephan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Link Type

Abstract Background Many students in Germany do not meet recommended amounts of physical activity. In order to promote physical activity in students, web-based interventions are increasingly implemented. Yet, data on effectiveness of web-based interventions in university students is low. Our study aims at investigating a web-based intervention for students. The intervention is based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA), which discriminates between processes of intention formation (motivational processes) and processes of intention implementation (volitional processes). Primary outcome is change in physical activity; secondary outcomes are motivational and volitional variables as proposed by the HAPA as well as quality of life and depressive symptoms. Methods A two-armed randomized controlled trial (RCT) of parallel design is conducted. Participants are recruited via the internet platform StudiCare (www.studicare.com). After the baseline assessment (t1), participants are randomized to either intervention group (immediate access to web-based intervention) or control group (access only after follow-up assessment). Four weeks later, post-assessment (t2) is performed in both groups followed by a follow-up assessment (t3) 3 months later. Assessments take place online. Main outcome analyses will follow an intention-to-treat principle by including all randomized participants into the analyses. Outcomes will be analysed using a linear mixed model, assuming data are missing at random. The mixed model will include group, time, and the interaction of group and time as fixed effects and participant and university as random effect. Discussion This study is a high-quality RCT with three assessment points and intention-to-treat analysis meeting the state-of-the-art of effectiveness studies. Recruitment covers almost 20 universities in three countries, leading to high external validity. The results of this study will be of great relevance for student health campaigns, as they reflect the effectiveness of self-help interventions for young adults with regard to behaviour change as well as motivational and volitional determinants. From a lifespan perspective, it is important to help students find their way into regular physical activity. Trial registration The German clinical trials register (DRKS) DRKS00016889. Registered on 28 February 2019

scholarly journals App Technology to Support Physical Activity and Intake of Vitamins and Minerals After Bariatric Surgery (the PromMera Study): Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Erika Bonn ◽  
Mari Hult ◽  
Kristina Spetz ◽  
Marie Löf ◽  
Ellen Andersson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Study Participant ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled

BACKGROUND To optimize postoperative outcomes after bariatric surgery, lifestyle changes including increased physical activity are needed. Micronutrient deficiency after surgery is also common and daily supplementation is recommended. OBJECTIVE The aim of the PromMera study is to evaluate the effects of a 12-week smartphone app intervention on promotion of physical activity (primary outcome) and adherence to postsurgery vitamin and mineral supplementation, as well as on other lifestyle factors and overall health in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS The PromMera study is a two-arm, randomized controlled trial comprising patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Participants are randomized postsurgery 1:1 to either the intervention group (ie, use of the PromMera app for 12 weeks) or the control group receiving only standard care. Clinical and lifestyle variables are assessed pre- and postsurgery after 18 weeks (postintervention assessment), 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Assessments include body composition using Tanita or BOD POD analyzers, muscle function using handgrip, biomarkers in blood, and an extensive questionnaire on lifestyle factors. Physical activity is objectively measured using the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT triaxial accelerometer. RESULTS A total of 154 participants have been enrolled in the study. The last study participant was recruited in May 2019. Data collection will be complete in May 2021. CONCLUSIONS Implementing lifestyle changes are crucial after bariatric surgery and new ways to reach patients and support such changes are needed. An app-based intervention is easily delivered at any time and can be a key factor in the adoption of healthier behavioral patterns in this rapidly growing group of patients. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03480464; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03480464 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/19624

scholarly journals Effectiveness of diabetes self-management education and support via a smartphone application in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes: results of a randomized controlled trial (TRIGGER study)

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e000981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Meike Boels ◽  
Rimke C Vos ◽  
Lioe-Ting Dijkhorst-Oei ◽  
Guy E H M Rutten
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hypoglycemic Event ◽  
Randomized Controlled

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of diabetes self-management education and support via a smartphone app in individuals with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy.Research design and methodsOpen two-arm multicenter parallel randomized controlled superiority trial. The intervention group (n=115) received theory and evidence-based self-management education and support via a smartphone app (optionally two or six times per week, once daily at different times). The control group (n=115) received care as usual. Primary outcome: HbA1c at 6 months. Other outcomes included HbA1c ≤53 mmol/mol (≤7%) without any hypoglycemic event, body mass index, glycemic variability, dietary habits and quality of life. We performed multiple imputation and regression models adjusted for baseline value, age, sex, diabetes duration and insulin dose.ResultsSixty-six general practices and five hospital outpatient clinics recruited 230 participants. Baseline HbA1c was comparable between groups (8.1% and 8.3%, respectively). At 6 months, the HbA1c was 63.8 mmol/mol (8.0%) in the intervention vs 66.2 mmol/mol (8.2%) in the control group; adjusted difference −0.93 mmol/mol (−0.08%), 95% CI −4.02 to 2.17 mmol/mol (−0.37% to 0.20%), p=0.557. The odds for achieving an HbA1c level ≤7% without any hypoglycemic event was lower in the intervention group: OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.33 to 2.35. There was no effect on secondary outcomes. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionsThis smartphone app providing diabetes self-management education and support had small and clinically not relevant effects. Apps should be more personalized and target individuals who think the app will be useful for them.Trial registration numberNTR5515.

Internet intervention for increasing physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis

2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W Motl ◽  
Deirdre Dlugonski ◽  
Thomas R Wójcicki ◽  
Edward McAuley ◽  
David C Mohr
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Internet Intervention ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Change ◽  
Over Time

Background:Physical activity has been associated with improvements in walking mobility and quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), and yet this population is largely sedentary and inactive compared with the general population. Objectives:We conducted a pilot, randomized controlled trial (RCT) for examining the effect of an Internet intervention based on social cognitive theory (SCT) for favorably increasing physical activity among persons with MS. We further examined variables from SCT as possible mediators of the Internet intervention. Methods:We randomly allocated 54 persons with MS into either an Internet intervention condition or a waitlist control condition. The participants completed measures of physical activity, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, functional limitations, and goal setting before and after the 12-week period. Results:The intervention group reported a statistically significant ( p = 0.01) and large increase in physical activity over time ( d = 0.72), whereas the control group had a small ( d = 0.04) and non-significant change in physical activity ( p = 0.71). The intervention group further reported a statistically significant ( p = 0.001) and large increase in goal setting over time ( d = 0.97), whereas the control group had a small ( d = −0.13) and non-significant change ( p = 0.17). The change in goal setting over time mediated the effect of the Internet intervention on physical activity behavior. Conclusions:This pilot study sets the stage for a subsequent RCT that includes a larger sample of persons with MS, longer intervention period along with a follow-up, objective measure of physical activity, and secondary outcomes of walking mobility and QOL.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Worksite Intervention for Male Construction Workers on Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors, Body Mass Index, and Health Outcomes: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 795-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Viester ◽  
Evert A. L. M. Verhagen ◽  
Paulien M. Bongers ◽  
Allard J. van der Beek
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Blue Collar ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intervention Effect ◽  
Lifestyle Behavior ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Sweetened Beverages

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of an individually tailored intervention for improvement in lifestyle behavior, health indicators, and prevention and reduction of overweight among construction workers. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Various blue-collar departments of a large construction company in the Netherlands. Participants: Blue-collar workers randomized to an intervention (n = 162) or a control group (n = 152). Intervention: The intervention group received individual coaching sessions, tailored information, and materials to improve lifestyle behavior during a 6-month period, and the control group received usual care. Measures: Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, physical activity (PA) levels, dietary behavior, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol were assessed. Analysis: Effectiveness of the intervention on outcome measures at 6- and 12-month follow-up was assessed by using linear and logistic regression models adjusting for baseline levels. Results: After 6 months, a statistically significant intervention effect was found on body weight ( B = −1.06, P = .010), BMI ( B = −0.32, P = .010), and waist circumference ( B = −1.38, P = .032). At 6 months, the percentage of those meeting public health guidelines for PA increased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group ( B = 2.06, P = .032), and for sugar-sweetened beverages, an intervention effect was found at 6 months as well ( B = −2.82, P = .003). At 12 months, for weight-related outcomes, these differences were slightly smaller and no longer statistically significant. The intervention was not effective on the total amount of moderate to vigorous PA and other dietary and health outcomes. Conclusion: Intervention participants showed positive changes in vigorous PA and intake of sugar-sweetened beverages compared to controls, as well as effects on weight-related outcomes at 6 months. Long-term effects were still promising but not statistically significant.

scholarly journals Health and Nutrition Education in Elementary Schools: Changes in health knowledge, nutrient intakes and physical activity over a six year period

1999 ◽  
Vol 2 (3a) ◽  
pp. 445-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yannis Manios ◽  
Anthony Kafatos
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Health And Nutrition

AbstractObjective:To examine the effects of a health and nutrition intervention, implemented in primary schools of Crete, on health knowledge, nutrient intakes and physical activity of the intervention population.Methods:The intervention group consisted of 24 schools while the control group consisted of 16 schools. The overall duration of the intervention was six years, while the topics of the intervention primarily focused on children' dietary habits, physical activity and fitness.Results:After the completion of the intervention period, the changes observed in health knowledge, nutrient intakes and physical activity were in favour of the intervention group pupils.Conclusion:The encouraging findings of the study indicate the potential of the programme in health promotion and disease prevention without involving substantial new school resources and time.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Dyadic Buddy App for Smoking Cessation: Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/27162 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. e27162
Author(s):  
Philipp Schwaninger ◽  
Corina Berli ◽  
Urte Scholz ◽  
Janina Lüscher
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
The Self ◽  
Daily Smoking ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Smoking Abstinence ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background Tobacco smoking is one of the biggest public health threats. Smartphone apps offer new promising opportunities for supporting smoking cessation in real time. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of an app that encourages individuals to quit smoking with the help of a social network member (buddy) in daily life. Objective The objective of this study is to test the effectiveness of the SmokeFree buddy app compared with a control group with self-reported smoking abstinence and carbon monoxide (CO)–verified smoking abstinence as primary outcomes and self-reports of smoked cigarettes per day (CPD) as a secondary outcome. Methods A total of 162 adults who smoked participated in this single-blind, two-arm, parallel-group, intensive longitudinal randomized controlled trial. Around a self-set quit date (ie, 7 days before the self-set quit date and 20 days after) and 6 months later, participants of the intervention and control groups reported on daily smoking abstinence and CPD in end-of-day diaries. Daily smoking abstinence was verified via daily exhaled CO assessments. This assessment was administered via an app displaying results of exhaled CO, thus addressing self-monitoring in both groups. In addition, participants in the intervention group used the SmokeFree buddy app, a multicomponent app that facilitates social support from a buddy of choice. Results A significant reduction in CPD from baseline to the 6-month follow-up was observed among participants in both groups. Multilevel analyses revealed no significant intervention effect on self-reported and CO-verified daily smoking abstinence at the quit date and 3 weeks later. However, CPD was lower at the quit date and 3 weeks later in the intervention group than in the control group. No significant differences between groups were found for any outcome measures 6 months after the quit date. Overall, low app engagement and low perceived usefulness were observed. Conclusions Despite some encouraging short-term findings on the amount of smoking, the SmokeFree buddy app did not have beneficial effects on smoking abstinence over and above the self-monitoring control condition. Future studies should examine whether and what support processes can be effectively stimulated and how app use can be improved to better achieve this goal. Trial Registration ISRCTN Registry 11154315; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11154315 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s12889-019-7723-z

scholarly journals Evaluation of FunFRIENDS program in prevention of anxiety in Brazilian children: a randomized controlled pilot trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 4497-4508
Author(s):  
Lina Maria Herrera Nunez Rivero ◽  
André Luiz Monezi Andrade ◽  
Larissa Zeggio Perez Figueredo ◽  
Bruno de Oliveira Pinheiro ◽  
Denise De Micheli
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Behavioral Profile ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Allocation Ratio ◽  
The City

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the FunFRIENDS protocol on anxiety symptoms, internalizing problems and prosocial behavior in 4- to 5-year old children. Participated of this study 43 children with an allocation ratio of 1:1 between groups (Intervention Group [IG], N = 21; Control Group [CG], N = 22) from a public school in the city of Sao Paulo participated in the study. Behaviors were evaluated by using standardized questionnaires (PAS, CBCL, SDQ, SCBE) assessing the behavioral profile of the children at three different periods; baseline (T0), one month (T1) and three months (T2) after the intervention. It was observed a reduction in the intensity of anxiety symptoms in the IG after the intervention but with no significant effect. Overall, there were no significant differences between the IG and the CG in most behaviors on all periods evaluated. On both Intention-to-Treat analyses also it was not detected significant effects of the intervention. This is the first Brazilian study evaluating the effects of FunFRIENDS program and the implications of these findings are discussed and its significance for future research.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document