Weight Loss Following a Physical Activity and Nutrition Telephone Intervention in Adults with Mobility Disabilities

We compared changes in body weight in adults with physical disabilities after participating in a 12-month telephone intervention targeting either physical activity or physical activity and nutrition. A total of 101 participants (age: 46.5±12.7 years; BMI 32.0±6.1 kg/m2) were randomized to one of three conditions: physical activity only (PEP), physical activity and nutrition (PEP+), and control. PEP received a physical activity toolkit and regular coaching telephone calls (weekly during months 1-4, monthly during months 5-6, bi-monthly during months 7-8, and none during months 9-12). PEP+ received an identical intervention as PEP; however, they also received information and coaching on nutrition in addition to physical activity. The control group received the toolkit, information, and resources following the 12-month intervention. Baseline and 12-month weights were obtained from 71% of participants, with no differences in retention between groups (p=0.77). Among completers, there was a significant group x time interaction (p<0.01) in 12-month weight loss between groups, however there were no group (p=0.88) or time (p=0.75) differences (PEP: -2.8±5.5kg, -2.8±-5.9%; PEP+: -0.4±5.0kg, -0.9±4.3%; and control: +2.6±5.3kg, 3.0±7.4%). Although weight losses were not significant, the results demonstrate that a telephone-based remote coaching intervention at relatively low cost compared to on-site programs targeting physical activity and general nutrition can prevent weight gain. Individuals with disabilities are at increased risk of developing secondary conditions such as obesity and thus, implementing a telephone intervention may aid in weight maintenance. Grant #5R01DD000134-03, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention