Effects of a Weight Reduction and Lifestyle Program in Older Adults

University of Pittsburgh

Status

Completed

Conditions

Physical Inactivity

Obesity

Functional Disability

Treatments

Behavioral: Diet and physical activity

Other: Physical activity control

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT00714506

PRO07040024

Details and patient eligibility

About

This research study will assess the effects of two different programs on weight, body composition, mobility and improved health. Measures of health will include functional abilities, and physical performance. The 2 programs being tested will be provided the same physical activity program which will include aerobic activity and resistance (weight) training. The intervention study will last up to 1 year with follow-up at 6 months and yearly phone calls thereafter.

Enrollment

36 patients

Sex

All

Ages

65 to 100 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Age 65 and older
BMI 28 to 39.9
Sedentary lifestyle defined by formal exercise less than 3 times per week for a total of less than 90 minutes.
Self report of ability to walk ¼ mile (2-3 blocks)
Ability to complete the 400 meter walk without a cane or walker in less than 15 minutes
Successful completion of the behavioral run-in phase which includes an activity log and a food diary
Willingness to be randomized to either intervention group
Willingness to attend meetings and physical activity sessions in McKeesport

Exclusion criteria

Diabetes requiring insulin, history of diabetic coma, or diabetes out of control defined as fasting blood sugar greater than 300
Severe hypertension, e.g. SBP> 180, DBP > 100
Failure to provide informed consent
Nursing home resident or resident in a facility where they have no control over food choices
Significant cognitive impairment, defined as a known diagnosis of dementia or a 3MSE Cognitive Function score < 80
Major psychiatric disorder
Unable to communicate because of severe hearing loss or speech disorder
Severe visual impairment
Celiac sprue or other malabsorption syndromes
Consume more than 5 alcoholic drinks per day, or more than 15 drinks per week
Progressive, degenerative neurological disease
Severe rheumatologic or orthopedic diseases
Stroke, hip, or knee replacement, or spinal surgery within the past 4 months or planned in the next 4 months
Receiving physical therapy for gait, balance, or lower extremity training
Terminal illness with life expectancy of less than 12 months
Currently being treated with chemotherapy or radiation for breast, cervical, colon, prostate, rectal, uterine, thyroid, or oral cancer. Participant with other types of cancers, with the exception of basal and squamous cancer are ineligible
Severe pulmonary disease (i.e., lung disease requiring supplemental oxygen or oral steroid medication) or pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis within the past 6 months
Severe cardiac disease (i.e., congestive heart failure (NYHA Class III or IV); untreated aortic stenosis; a history of cardiac arrest, the use of a cardiac defibrillator or uncontrolled angina)
Myocardial infarction, CABG, or valve replacement in the past 6 months
Serious conduction disorder (3rd degree heart block), uncontrolled arrhythmia, or new Q waves or ST- segment depressions (> 3mm) on ECG
Other significant co-morbid disease that the study medical officer deems severe enough to impair ability to participate in exercise based intervention
Severe kidney disease that requires dialysis
Develops chest pain or severe shortness of breath during 400 m walk test
Member of household is already enrolled
Participation in another intervention trial: participation in an observational study is permitted
People who have lost more than 10 pounds in the past 4 months, or are on any drugs for the treatment of obesity
Lives outside of the study site area or is planning to move in the next year
Must be able to attend at least 6 of the first 8 weekly sessions.