Randomized clinical trial of a motivational interdisciplinary intervention based on the transtheoretical model of change for lifestyle modification in overweight/obese adolescents: MERC study protocol

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThis study aims to present an interdisciplinary intervention in a group of overweight/obese adolescents. The lifestyle and cardiovascular risk modification (MERC) program seeks the modification and maintenance of lifestyle through the inclusion of regular physical activity and healthy eating, using a motivational interdisciplinary protocol based on the transtheoretical model of change. An overview of the scientific literature that guided the development of this research follows. Overweight/obesityObesity worldwide has more than doubled between 1980 and 2014. In 2014, over 1.9 billion adults, aged 18 years ABSTRACT Background: Obesity worldwide has more than doubled between 1980 and 2014, and this number has grown substantially in adolescents. An increase in this number can be prevented with the modification of lifestyle, healthy food choices and regular physical activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a motivational interdisciplinary intervention based on the transtheoretical model of change for lifestyle modification in overweight/obese adolescents. Methods: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial with a control group, which aims to recruit 120 overweight/obese adolescents aged between 15-18 years (BMI ≥ 85th percentile). The sample will be selected through announcements in print media, social networks, television and radio. Groups will meet weekly over three months. The control group will receive a traditional health education intervention using pedagogy of transmission. The experimental group will receive a group-based motivational interdisciplinary intervention using a motivational interdisciplinary protocol based on the transtheoretical model of change. Conclusions:The results of this randomized clinical trial will determine if the motivational interdisciplinary intervention based on the transtheoretical model of change has an impact on lifestyle modification of the overweight/obese adolescents. If successful, the MERC program has the potential for application in different treatment scenarios, including that of the public health system.

Effect of an interdisciplinary intervention with motivational approach on exercise capacity in obese adolescents: a randomized controlled clinical trial

“…The interventions were performed as per the protocol published in the International Journal of Clinical Trials, (16) in 12 sessions for each group, briefly described below.…”

Transtheoretical model for change in obese adolescents: MERC randomized clinical trial

“…Two meetings were held with the teenagers' parents/guardians, one at the beginning of the intervention (first month) and another at the end, with the aim of helping the caregivers motivate their children towards adherence to a healthy lifestyle. The detailed content of the two meetings can be seen in the publication of this research protocol (Ribeiro et al, 2016). The intervention groups were distributed in five cycles, each having a duration of 3 months.…”

“…The difference between the groups consisted of the TTM intervention in the IG, an offering that not only allowed greater interaction between health professionals and the adolescents but also encouraged the youngsters' active participation. More specifics on the CG sessions can also be seen in the MERC study protocol (Ribeiro et al, 2016).…”

“…The evaluations were performed according to the study protocol (Ribeiro et al, 2016). The adolescents were assessed 1 week before the beginning of the groups (baseline) and after 3 months, at least until 2 weeks after the end of the meetings (follow-up).…”

“…Thus, the Modification of Lifestyle and Cardiovascular Risk (MERC) project was proposed to evaluate an intervention based on TTM compared to a traditional intervention offered by the Brazilian public health service (Ribeiro et al, 2016). Standard Brazilian treatment programmes offer adolescents directive programmatic structures for accomplishment of desirable changes with little opportunity to participate in decisions regarding how those alterations are made.…”