Development and a Pilot Test of an Internet-Based Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program for Korean Male Workers With Metabolic Syndrome
An Internet-based, Best Exerciser Super Trainer program for risk reduction among Korean male workers with metabolic syndrome was developed, and a pilot test was conducted. The Best Exerciser Super Trainer program was designed to be delivered via the Internet to promote the initiation and maintenance of behavioral lifestyle modification using a transtheoretical model. Stage-matched psychobehavioral strategies were derived from the main constructs of a transtheoretical model and matched to each individual's stage of readiness for physical activity/weight control using the cardiovascular risk assessment. A simulated version of Best Exerciser Super Trainer was evaluated by an expert group (n = 8). Eighteen male workers participated in an 8-week pilot test of the program. The Best Exerciser Super Trainer Web site consisted of an introduction, main, and administrator components. A majority of the expert group (87.5%) either strongly agreed or agreed with the contents on the Web site. Significant changes in cardiovascular disease risk reduction over the study period among the participants included decreased cardiovascular risk (-2.4%), waist circumference (-2.9 cm), diastolic blood pressure (-9.9 mm Hg), and fasting plasma glucose (-16.7 mg/dL). The findings of this pilot study provide evidence that the Best Exerciser Super Trainer program may be useful for conducting Web surveys and delivering an intervention.
cardiovascular disease computer programs health behavior metabolic syndrome x