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Published on: August 1, 2019
Barrier-belief lifestyle counseling in primary care: A randomized controlled trial of efficacy
Adrie J Bouma1, Paul van Wilgen2, Koen A P M Lemmink3
1Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, Institute of Sports Studies, Zernikeplein 17, 9766 AS Groningen, The Netherlands.
Objective:
Intervening on barrier beliefs (BBs) may inhibit the role of barriers as mediating factors in lifestyle behavior. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a barrier-belief counseling intervention (BBCI) on physical activity (PA) and healthy food intake.
Methods:
An RCT was conducted in a primary care setting among adults (aged 18-70), with two interventions: a BBCI (n = 123) and a standardized lifestyle group intervention (SLI) (n = 122). A non-treated hanging control group (n = 36) received no intervention. Outcomes on PA (accelerometer and SQUASH) and fruit and vegetable intake (self-report) were measured with follow-ups at 6, 12 and 18 months, and analyzed using multiple regression.
Results:
The BBCI was more effective on PA compared with the SLI (p < .01): in the short term all PA outcomes improved (p < .05), in the long term moderate-to-vigorous PA outcomes improved (p < .05), all with small effect sizes. No differences between interventions were found on fruit and vegetable intake. None of the outcomes in the control group changed over time.
Conclusions:
BBCI in primary care improves PA compared with SLI.
Practice Implications:
The customized BB approach seems promising for implementation in healthcare practice to stimulate PA.
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