A Personalized Telephone-Based Physical Activity and Nutrition Intervention for Overweight/Obese Adults with Mobility Disabilities: A Preliminary Study Examining Weight Management

Research findings from adherence and motivational theories suggest that participation in health promoting behaviors (i.e., physical activity, nutrition) is far more likely when there is a prescriptive program tailored to the specific needs of each person. The purpose of this study was to develop a 12-month telephone-based physical activity and nutrition coaching intervention using motivational interviewing techniques and a computer-based software program for overweight adults with mobility disabilities (spinal cord injury, spina bifida, stroke, cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis). 75 subjects were randomized to one of three groups: (a) control group; (b) physical activity only group; (c) physical activity plus nutrition group. The study design included three phases: Adoption: weekly phone coaching (months 1 – 4); Phase Out: bi-weekly (months 5-6) to monthly calls (months 7-8); Follow Up: no coaching (months 9-12). All participants were assessed every 3 months to determine changes in their health status. The preliminary findings indicate that between baseline and 12 months, 75% of those in the physical activity only group lost weight, with an average weight loss of 2.8%. 100% of those participants in the physical activity plus nutrition group lost weight, with an average weight loss of 2.6%. In contrast, 80% of those in the control group have shown an average weight gain of 5.5%. In conclusion, these preliminary findings indicate that health promotion and self-management information delivered via telephone by trained wellness coaches holds promise for long-term sustainability of weight control.