Telehealth weight management intervention for adults with physical disabilities: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: Weight reduction programs are not generally designed or adapted for people with physical disabilities. This study examined the effect of a 9-months remote, telephone-based weight management program for people with physical disabilities using a Web-based system (Personalized Online Weight and Exercise Response System [POWERS]). Design: A total of 102 participants (mean ± SD age, 46.5 ± 12.7 yrs; body mass index, 32.0 ± 5.8 kg/m) with a physical disability (spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, stroke, or lupus) were randomized to one of three conditions: physical activity only (POWERS), physical activity plus nutrition (POWERS^plus), and control. The POWERS group received a physical activity tool kit and regular coaching telephone calls. The POWERS ^plus group received an intervention identical to that of the POWERS group plus nutritional information. The control group received the physical activity tool kit and self-guided health promotion resources at the completion of the trial but no coaching. Results: Postintervention differences in body weight were found between the groups. There was a significant group × time interaction (P < 0.01) in postintervention body weight, with both the POWERS and POWERS^plus groups demonstrating greater reduction in body weight compared with the control group (POWERS: -2.1 ± 5.5 kg, -2.4 ± -5.9%; POWERS^plus: -0.5 ± 5.0 kg, -0.6 ± 4.3%; control: +2.6 ± 5.3 kg, 3.1 ± 7.4%). Conclusions: A low-cost telephone intervention supported with a Web-based remote coaching tool (POWERS) can be an effective strategy for assisting overweight adults with physical disabilities in maintaining or reducing their body weight.