Effectiveness of a Group Lifestyle Balance Class in a Military Population

Summary

With this study researchers will evaluate the effects of the GLB intervention on weight loss, chronic disease indicators and self-perceived function and well-being in an active duty population. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the GLB program \[compared with two currently available programs, the Fitness Improvement Program (FIP) and the Better Body Better Life (BBBL) program\], on the following health indicators: improvement of individual physical fitness as measured by change in abdominal circumference, weight and physical activity; decrease in risk associated with chronic disease as measured by changes in lipid and HbA1c levels; and improvement in self-perceived function and well-being as measured by the RAND 36 Item Short Form Health Survey (RAND SF- 36). In addition, the researchers seek to obtain feedback about the programs from the participants.

Conditions

• Primary Prevention

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Group Lifestyle Balance

The content of the GLB program consists of educating participants about the association between high calorie and fat intake with excessive weight, how to determine the fat and calorie content of foods they eat, and how to make changes in their diet to reduce the fat and calorie content. Participants are also given information about increasing activity in their daily routines. In addition, they are given information about negative behaviors that lead to overeating and decreased activity and are taught ways to develop positive behaviors to facilitate weight loss and increased activity. GLB instructors function as lifestyle coaches for class participants. They provide individual feedback and encouragement on documented eating and activity habits. The instructors make themselves available to be contacted by participants outside of class to address participant concerns and issues as needed

BEHAVIORAL

Better Body Better Life

The BBBL program is an Air Force weight management program.). It was created based on the Adult Learning Model and consists of 5 independent modules that are taught in-person to groups of up to 15-20 individuals. Each module is done in a classroom and is 2 hours long. One module per week is offered. Individuals can attend the modules in any order but they are required to complete a pre-survey and 3-day food record prior to attending their first class

BEHAVIORAL

Fitness Improvement Program

The FIP is a standardized course that can be accessed on-line through the Advanced Distributed Learning Service (ADLS) and takes approximately 90 minutes to view all of the course material. The on-line FIP can be done all in one sitting or in segments. There is no restriction on the frequency with which the FIP is viewed however, because it is accessed through ADLS, it may be difficult to view at a non-military computer. The FIP consists of an introduction, three core components (nutrition, physical training, and spiritual well-being), and a summary. Each section has a short video presentation. The core components have short quizzes at the end to assess knowledge and the training asks participants to set goals. Participants are then responsible for using the information for their own self-directed program.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center

  lead FED

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2015-08-11

Primary Completion

2018-10-17

Completion

2018-10-17