Modification of diet, exercise and lifestyle (MODEL) study: a randomised controlled trial protocol

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular disease research
• Public health interventions
• Gerontology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) events are largely preventable through diet and lifestyle modifications.
• Understanding structural vascular disease, like abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), can aid CVD risk management.
• The impact of visualizing AAC on promoting lifestyle changes is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if visualizing abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) promotes healthier dietary and lifestyle choices.
• To assess the effect of AAC visualization on cardiovascular disease risk factors.
• To evaluate changes in fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity levels.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week, two-arm, multisite randomized controlled trial involving 60-80 year olds.
• Participants received baseline AAC assessment via lateral spine imaging.
• Intervention group received AAC results at baseline; control group received results at 12 weeks, with standardized lifestyle advice for all.

Main Results:

• The primary outcome is the change in serum carotenoid concentrations, reflecting fruit and vegetable intake.
• Secondary outcomes include changes in other dietary aspects and physical activity levels.
• Clinical assessments were conducted at baseline and 12 weeks.

Conclusions:

• The study will provide insights into the effectiveness of personalized vascular imaging in driving health behavior change.
• Findings could inform public health strategies for CVD prevention.
• Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences.