Article

Weight reduction programs are not generally designed or adapted for
people with physical disabilities. This study examined the effect of a 9-months
remote, telephone-based weight management program for people with physical
disabilities using a Web-based system (Personalized Online Weight and Exercise
Response System [POWERS]). DESIGN: A total of 102 participants (mean +/- SD age,
46.5 +/- 12.7 yrs; body mass index, 32.0 +/- 5.8 kg/m(2)) with a physical
disability (spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy,
stroke, or lupus) were randomized to one of three conditions: physical activity
only (POWERS), physical activity plus nutrition (POWERS(plus)), and control. The
POWERS group received a physical activity tool kit and regular coaching telephone
calls. The POWERS(plus) group received an intervention identical to that of the
POWERS group plus nutritional information. The control group received the
physical activity tool kit and self-guided health promotion resources at the
completion of the trial but no coaching. RESULTS: Postintervention differences in
body weight were found between the groups. There was a significant group x time
interaction (P < 0.01) in postintervention body weight, with both the POWERS and
POWERS(plus) groups demonstrating greater reduction in body weight compared with
the control group (POWERS: -2.1 +/- 5.5 kg, -2.4 +/- -5.9%; POWERS(plus): -0.5
+/- 5.0 kg, -0.6 +/- 4.3%; control : +2.6 +/- 5.3 kg, 3.1 +/- 7.4%). CONCLUSIONS:
A low-cost telephone intervention supported with a Web-based remote coaching tool
(POWERS) can be an effective strategy for assisting overweight adults with
physical disabilities in maintaining or reducing their body weight.

Langue : ANGLAIS