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Improvements in Functional Exercise Capacity after a Residential Behavioural Change, Diet and Fitness Program for Obese Adults
Author(s) -
Errickson Sadye Paez,
Kolotkin Ronette L.,
Skidmore Megan Simmons,
Endress Gerald,
Østbye Truls,
Crosby Ross,
Eisenson Howard
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
physiotherapy research international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.509
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1471-2865
pISSN - 1358-2267
DOI - 10.1002/pri.1623
Subject(s) - weight loss , medicine , overweight , physical therapy , body mass index , obesity , psychological intervention , physical fitness , treadmill , gerontology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychiatry
Background and purpose Obese adults are at an increased risk for mobility‐related problems. National guidelines recommend calorie restrictions and exercise for obese adults as a means to improve functional fitness capacity and to increase mobility. Yet, lifestyle weight loss interventions often fail to measure fitness changes. The aim of this study was to assess whether a 1‐month, intensive behavioural change, diet and fitness intervention for overweight and obese adults would result in statistically significant and clinically meaningful changes in functional exercise. Methods A pre–post test design was used in this study. Seventy‐two participants (40 women, 32 men; mean baseline body mass index (BMI) = 42.6 + 9.0; mean age = 45.8 + 16.8) completed a modified 6‐minute walk test (6MWT), performed on a treadmill, at baseline and at end of treatment. Results Significant improvements included decreased BMI (2.7 + 1.7 kg m −2 , p < 0.001) and increased 6MWT distance (66.4 + 73.0 m, p < 0.001). The 6MWT improved by 66 m on average, a reported clinically meaningful difference. Greater improvements in the 6MWT were significantly correlated with greater weight loss and BMI reduction. Discussion Our findings suggest that rehabilitation beyond weight loss may be derived from participation in a brief, intensive behavioural change, diet and fitness programme. Physiotherapists are in a prime position to address the physical and motivational challenges participants face while living with severe obesity: targeting functional exercise capacity is one key strategy for addressing immobility associated with obesity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.