An interactive web-based intervention on nutritional status, physical activity and health-related quality of life in patient with metabolic syndrome: a randomized-controlled trial (The Red Ruby Study)

Abstract

Background/Objectives:Physical inactivity and unhealthy nutritional behaviors are recognized as the key factors in the cause and management of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The effectiveness of interactive web-based interventions on dietary intakes, physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among people with MetS is currently unknown.Methods:The two-arm randomized-controlled trial was conducted for patients with MetS from June through December 2012 in Tehran, Iran. Participants (n=160) were recruited through online registration on the study website. After free clinical assessments of eligible participants for MetS, they were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (n=80). All participants received general information about cardiovascular diseases and MetS risk factors via the website. The intervention group logged in to interactive part including My Healthy Heart Profile, received tailored calorie-restricted diet and used all parts of the interactive prevention program. Anthropometric measures, glycemic status, lipid profile, physical activity and food intake were evaluated at the beginning and after 6-month follow-up. HRQOL was assessed at beginning, 3- and 6-month follow-up.Results:There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups on age, gender, education and MetS factors. In comparison with control group, the intervention group showed significant changes in moderate physical activity 260.3±473.6 vs 101.6±213.1 MET-min/week, walking 505.2±505.3 vs 321±884 MET-min per week, cholesterol intake −88.4±158.7 vs −8.3±6 mg per day, total calories −430.2±957.5 vs −392.9±34.7 kcal per day and sodium 1336.9±2467 vs 1342±3200.4 mmol per day. With regard to HRQOL, the intervention group showed greater improvement in general health and vitality (P<0.05 for all).Conclusion:These results indicate the positive impact of a lifestyle intervention by a web-based program on physical activity, dietary intake and several dimension of QoL. The use of web-based approaches is a great interest to manage patients at high cardiovascular risk, especially where the prevalence of obesity, MetS and diabetes is increasing.

Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Rural Adults with Chronic Disease

“…Moreover, adults with multiple chronic illnesses appeared to receive similar benefit from recommended levels of PA. These results are consistent with randomized controlled trials that have shown increases in PA with simultaneous increases in HRQOL [19,20,21,22]. These findings are further supported by studies that have shown increased HRQOL in physically active participants with chronic diseases [23][24][25][26][27][28][29].…”

Unhealthy lifestyle and the risk of metabolic syndrome - the Romanian experience

“…The results obtained are important for the assessment of the multiple facets of the pathogenicity of the metabolic syndrome (74)(75), in which environmental factors play an overwhelming role.…”

Implementation and evaluation of a primary diabetes prevention programme for young adult employees in Japan: A non‐randomized controlled trial

“…Moreover, a previous study supported diabetics’ behavioural changes using telephone follow‐ups and was also unable to improve exercise habits (Sakane et al, ). Studies that have been successful in bringing about continuous behavioural change with respect to exercise have involved group‐based exercise (Santanasto et al, ), a way to manage exercise records (Aguiar et al, ) and an interactive web‐based programme tailored to each individual (Jahangiry, Montazeri, Najafi, Yaseri, & Farhangi, ). Modifying our programme to include more intensive and interactive content and modifying the environment where our participants exercise may be necessary to improve our outcomes.…”