'Red Ruby': an interactive web-based intervention for lifestyle modification on metabolic syndrome: a study protocol...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Metabolic syndrome management
• Lifestyle modification programs

Background:

• Effectiveness of web-based interventions for lifestyle changes is recognized.
• Potential of these programs for metabolic syndrome remains underexplored.
• Need for web-based interventions targeting cardiovascular disease risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine feasibility, acceptability, usability, and effectiveness of an interactive technology-based lifestyle intervention.
• Evaluate the impact on metabolic syndrome components.
• Contribute to novel research and practice in digital health for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Main Methods:

• Two-arm randomized controlled trial with 160 participants (80 per arm).
• Recruitment via online registration; inclusion criteria: metabolic syndrome and internet access.
• Intervention group receives additional resources including interactive Healthy Heart Profile and calorie-restricted diet.
• Primary outcomes: feasibility, acceptability, usability, and changes in metabolic syndrome components.
• Secondary outcomes: quality of life, physical activity, and food intake.
• Follow-up at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• Data collection ongoing; primary and secondary outcomes to be analyzed at 6-month follow-up.
• Feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the web-based intervention will be assessed.
• Changes in metabolic syndrome components, quality of life, physical activity, and food intake will be compared between arms.

Conclusions:

• Web-based interventions offer a promising avenue for managing metabolic syndrome.
• This study will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and implementation of digital health solutions.
• Findings will inform the development of targeted interventions for individuals at high risk for cardiovascular diseases.