Feasibility trial of a transdiagnostic individual lifestyle evaluation and intervention (Lev-i) for health behavior change

Individuals with disabilities face challenges in adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors. Existing interventions are often diagnosis-specific, profession-bound, and limited to single health behaviors, restricting a broader applicability. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of Lev-individual (Lev-i), a transdiagnostic and interprofessional intervention designed to promote health behaviors among individuals with disabilities.

This feasibility study was conducted in an outpatient disability healthcare setting, involving 25 adult participants with long-term disabilities. Lev-i consists of three structured sessions focusing on goal setting, motivational strategies, and behavior change techniques that can be used across ten health domains. Data on treatment completion, acceptability and secondary outcomes was collected through self-reports for participants and professionals before, during, and after the intervention.

The treatment completion rate was 23 out of 25 (92%), with high treatment satisfaction (M = 3.61 out of maximum 4). Participants reported significant increases in treatment credibility and expectancy of change (6.93 pre, 8.27 post, p < .01), as well as high treatment satisfaction. Professionals rated the intervention as relevant and feasible, though many comments indicated a need for simplification of the study protocol and clearer intervention materials. No serious adverse events were reported. For secondary outcomes, goal attainment scores indicated that participants on average reached their goals. Also, there was a significant improvement in dietary habits (p < .05, d = 0.55), and a non-significant trend toward increased physical activity (d = 0.39).

Findings suggest that Lev-i is a feasible and acceptable intervention for promoting health behaviors among individuals with disabilities. However, further refinements may enhance feasibility for both patients and professionals before conducting a randomized controlled trial. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05889936).