Weight Maintenance Through Physical Activity and Social Support in Rural Middle-Aged Women

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to compare an technology-based weight maintenance intervention using action plans, videos discussion boards and health behavior tracking (weight, calories in and out, pedometer steps) with a technology-based standard advice group to facilitate health management, resourcefulness and health status for rural middle-aged women.

Detailed Description
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The purpose of this research project is to evaluate the influence of a theory-based intervention using the Health Effects of Life Transitions for Women Model to promote maintenance of initial weight loss. The intervention will be designed to promote physical activity to prevent weight regain among an underserved and vulnerable population of rural, mid-life women. The intervention delivered through action plans, videos, discussion boards and health behavior tracking (weight, calories in and out, pedometer steps) to facilitate health management, resourcefulness and health status will be compared with the standard advice group who receives newsletters and health behavior tracking (weight) to initiate, increase, or sustain physical activity for weight maintenance.

Official Title
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Weight Maintenance Through Physical Activity and Social Support in Rural Middle-Aged Women

Conditions
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Body Weight Changes

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Videos
* Behavioral: Action Plans
* Behavioral: Discussion Boards
* Behavioral: Health behavior tracking


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Women: aged 40-64 years; reported intentional weight loss of 5-10% of initial body weight within previous 6 months; residing in a rural county (population < 50,000 residents) or rural community (population less than 2,500) within driving distance of a UNMC College of Nursing campus; ability to communicate in English (verbal and written); ambulatory and can walk at least one block without the use of an assistive device, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair; have access to the internet and current email account; and answer 'no' to all questions on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) or obtain clearance from their physician to become more active. Exclusion Criteria: instructed by a physician not to exercise; presence of chest pain, shortness of breath, or feelings of light-headedness upon exertion.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 40 Years
Maximum Age: 64 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Health Services Research
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: intervention group<br>The intervention will be delivered through action plans, videos, discussion boards and health behavior tracking (weight, calories in and out, pedometer steps) to facilitate health management, resourcefulness and health status. | Behavioral: Videos<br>* Provide information on physical activity, diet, calorie tracking to support weight maintenance in rural women.<br>Behavioral: Action Plans<br>* Online action plans will be used by subjects to set and evaluate physical activity goals<br>Behavioral: Discussion Boards<br>* forum to exchange information and experiences<br>Behavioral: Health behavior tracking<br>* online tracking of weight for both intervention and standard advice group. In addition, the intervention group will also track their calories in and out and their pedometer steps<br>|
| Active Comparator: Standard Advice Group<br>Standard advice group receives newsletters and health behavior tracking (weight) to initiate, increase, or sustain physical activity for weight maintenance. | Behavioral: Health behavior tracking<br>* online tracking of weight for both intervention and standard advice group. In addition, the intervention group will also track their calories in and out and their pedometer steps<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| weight maintenance | Weight maintenance (no significant change in weight from baseline which corresponds to a weight gain of less than 2.3 kg from baseline over the course of the study) | baseline, 3 months, 6 months |