Developing physical activity counselling in primary care through participatory action approach

Record sheet on patient visits. (DOCX 102 kb

Protocol : A randomized controlled trial to assess effectiveness of a 12-month lifestyle intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in families ten years after pre-eclampsia (FINNCARE)

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a multisystem progressive disorder affecting 3-5% of pregnancies. PE independently increases the risk for premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) in mothers and their children long-term. The effectiveness of a family-centered lifestyle intervention to lower CVD risk in PE families has not previously been evaluated. In the current FINNCARE study, we prospectively compare CVD risk and CVD progression in PE families (mother, father and child) in a cross-sectional study setting 8-12 years from delivery with non-PE control families of comparable age. Furthermore, we evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of an interactive web-based behavioral 12-month lifestyle intervention to reduce blood pressure and the CVD risk profile overall in a randomized controlled trial. In total, 300 PE families will be randomized 1:1 to a PE-intervention or a PE-control group, and the 100 non-PE control families similarly followed-up at 12 months. Primary outcome is 24-hour mean systolic BP change from baseline in mother and child. Study aims to provide information on CVD progression and CVD risk management in the family following PE.Peer reviewe

Prevention of Gestational Diabetes: Design of a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial and One-Year Follow-Up

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Annual prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is 12.5% among Finnish pregnant women. The prevalence is expected to rise with the increasing overweight among women before pregnancy. Physical activity and diet are both known to have favourable effects on insulin resistance and possibly on the risk of GDM. We aimed to investigate, whether GDM can be prevented by counseling on diet, physical activity and gestational weight gain during pregnancy.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in 14 municipalities in the southern part of Finland. Pairwise randomization was performed in order to take into account socioeconomic differences. Recruited women were at 8-12 weeks' gestation and fulfilled at least one of the following criteria: body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m², history of earlier gestational glucose intolerance or macrosomic newborn (> 4500 g), age ≥ 40 years, first or second degree relative with history of type 1 or 2 diabetes. Main exclusion criterion was pathological oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 8-12 weeks' gestation. The trial included one counseling session on physical activity at 8-12 weeks' gestation and one for diet at 16-18 weeks' gestation, and three to four booster sessions during other routine visits. In the control clinics women received usual care. Information on height, weight gain and other gestational factors was obtained from maternity cards. Physical activity, dietary intake and quality of life were followed by questionnaires during pregnancy and at 1-year postpartum. Blood samples for lipid status, hormones, insulin and OGTT were taken at 8-12 and 26-28 weeks' gestation and 1 year postpartum. Workability and return to work were elicited by a questionnaire at 1- year postpartum. Linkage to the national birth register of years 2007-2009 will provide information on perinatal complications and GDM incidence among the non-participants of the study. Cost-effectiveness evaluation will be based on quality-adjusted life years. This study has received ethical approval from the Ethical board of Pirkanmaa Hospital District.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The study will provide information on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of gestational physical activity and dietary counseling on prevention of GDM in a risk group of women. Also information on the prevalence of GDM and postpartum metabolic syndrome will be gained. Results on maintaining the possible health behaviour changes are important in order to prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>The trial is registered ISRCTN 33885819</p

Building transformative capacity towards active sustainable transport in urban areas – Experiences from local actions in Finland

Recent research has recognised cycling and walking (active transport) as substantial elements contributing to sustainable mobility and public health challenges. There is less knowledge available on the integrated contributions of local-level governance processes and practical implementation of active transport promotion activities. To illustrate comprehensively the contributions of local-level activities, we defined a framework presenting transformative capacity towards active sustainable transport. The framework presents the essential elements and criteria in assessing the level of contributions towards active and sustainable mobility. Previous literature and a case study in six Finnish municipalities comprising interviews and documentary analysis were our primary research data. The Finnish experience shows that local actors can have different, yet successful, approaches in building transformative capacity towards active and sustainable transport.</p

Liikuntaneuvonnan kehittäminen terveyskeskuksissa

Suomalaiset liikkuvat terveytensä kannalta liian vähän. Neuvonta on perusterveydenhuollon tärkein liikkumisen edistämisen keino, mutta sen toteuttamisessa on puutteita. Liikuntaneuvonnan kehittäminen terveyskeskuksissa -hankkeen tavoitteena oli lisätä erityisesti lääkäreiden, hoitajien ja fysioterapeuttien 1) terveysliikunnan ja liikuntaneuvonnan osaamista, 2) liikuntaneuvonnan toteuttamista ja sisällön monipuolisuutta, 3) Liikkumisreseptin tuntemista ja käyttöä, 4) sisäistä ja sektorirajat ylittävää liikuntaneuvonnan yhteistyötä ja 5) liikuntaneuvonnan kirjaamista potilastietojärjestelmään. Aineisto kerättiin neljästä pirkanmaalaisesta terveyskeskuksesta. Kukin nimesi vastuutiimin puoli vuotta kestäneelle kehittämistyölle. Tutkijaryhmä tuki tiimejä neljällä tutortapaamisella. Tavoitteiden toteutumista arvioitiin 19 tulosmuuttujan alku- ja lopputilanteen välisillä eroilla prosenttiyksiköissä ja niiden 95 prosentin luottamusväleinä (LV). Mittareina käytettiin työntekijäkyselyä (N=75 alussa ja 80 lopussa), työtekijöiden kirjanpitoa potilaskäynneistä (N=1008 ja 1000), potilaskyselyä (N=441 ja 431) ja yhteistyötoimijoiden puhelinhaastatteluja (N=48 ja 28). Prosessia arvioitiin kehittämisvastuun ja -toimien toteutumisella vastuutiimin ja tutorin muistioiden avulla. Liikkumisreseptin tunteminen lisääntyi (työntekijäkysely, 39 %; LV 25,5–52,5) ja käyttö yleistyi (työntekijäkysely, 32 %; LV 18,9–45,1 ja kirjanpito, 4 %; LV 2,7–5,3). Suurempi osa työntekijöistä oli sopinut Liikkumisreseptin käytöstä työpaikalla (työntekijäkysely, 32 %; LV 20,3–43,7) ja käyttänyt Liikkumisreseptiä lähetteenä terveyskeskuksen sisällä (kirjanpito, 1 %; LV 0,3–1,7). Terveysliikunnan ja liikuntaneuvonnan osaaminen lisääntyi, mutta ei tilastollisesti merkitsevästi. Kehittämisvastuu jakautui vastuutiimeissä epätasaisesti ja ajan varaaminen kehittämistyölle oli vaikeaa, mikä heijastui kehittämistoimien määrään. Hanke onnistui parhaiten Liikkumisreseptin tuntemisen ja käytön mutta vähäisemmässä määrin terveysliikunnan ja liikuntaneuvonnan osaamisen lisäämisessä. Muiden tavoitteiden saavuttaminen saattaa edellyttää sitoutuneempaa, monipuolisempaa ja pidempikestoisempaa kehittämisotetta

Lifestyle counseling to reduce body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors among truck and bus drivers - a randomized controlled trial

Objectives We conducted a randomized trial among overweight long-distance drivers to study the effects of structured lifestyle counseling on body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods Men with waist circumference > 100 cm were randomized into a lifestyle counseling (LIFE, N=55) and a reference (REF, N=58) group. The LIFE group participated in monthly counseling on nutrition, physical activity, and sleep for 12 months aiming at 10% weight loss. After 12 months, the REF group participated in 3-month counseling. Assessments took place at 0, 12, and 24 months. Between-group differences in changes were analyzed by generalized linear modeling. Metabolic risk (Z score) was calculated from components of metabolic syndrome. Results The mean body weight change after 12 months was -3.4 kg in LIFE (N=47) and 0.7 kg in REF (N=48) [net difference -4.0 kg, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -1.9- -6.2]. Six men in LIFE reduced body weight by >= 10%. Changes in waist circumference were -4.7 cm in LIFE and -0.1 cm in REF (net -4.7 cm, 95% CI -6.6- -2.7). Metabolic risk decreased more in the LIFE than REF group (net -1.2 points, 95% CI -0.6- -2.0). After 24 months follow-up, there were no between-group differences in changes in body weight (net -0.5 kg, 95% CI -3.8-2.9) or metabolic risk score (net 0.1 points; 95% CI -0.8-1.0) compared to baseline. Conclusions Weight reduction and decreases in cardiometabolic risk factors were clinically meaningful after 12 months of counseling.Peer reviewe

Lifestyle counseling in overweight truck and bus drivers : Effects on dietary patterns and physical activity

We studied dietary patterns, physical activity (PA), and monthly goal setting in a weight reduction intervention in long-distance professional drivers. The study was conducted in Finland in 2009–2012. Male drivers with waist circumference >100cm were randomized to a lifestyle counseling (LIFE, N=55) and a reference (REF, N=58) group. During 12months, LIFE participated in 6 face-to-face and 7 telephone counseling sessions on diet and PA. Dietary patterns were assessed using an index combining food diary and counselor interview, and PA with the number of daily steps using a pedometer. Monthly lifestyle goals, perceived facilitators and barriers, and adverse effects of PA in the LIFE participants were monitored using counselors' log books. Forty-seven (85%) LIFE participants completed the 12-month program. After 12months, the mean dietary index score improved by 12% (p=0.002, N=24), and the number of daily steps increased by 1811 steps (median; p=0.01, N=22). The most frequent dietary goals dealt with meal frequency, plate model, and intake of vegetables, fruits, and berries. The most common PA mode was walking. Typical facilitators to reach monthly lifestyle goals were support from family and friends and ailment prevention; typical barriers were working schedules and ailments. Adverse effects, most commonly musculoskeletal pain, occurred among 83% of the LIFE participants. Positive changes in lifestyle habits were observed during counseling. Monthly lifestyle counseling combining face-to-face and phone contacts seemed appropriate to long-distance drivers. Barriers for reaching lifestyle changes, and adverse effects of PA were common and need to be addressed when planning counseling. Trial registration: Clinical Trials NCT00893646Peer reviewe

Mismatch, empowerment, fatigue or balance? Four scenarios of physical activity up to 2030 in Finland

Sedentary lifestyles and the lack of physical activity (PA) are a major concern among all age groups, and current generations tend to be less fit than the previous ones in the Western World. At the same time, there is an urgent need to cut transport-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Major gains can be foreseen if current car-centred lifestyles and sedentary behaviour are addressed from an integrated perspective. In this study, we explore future scenarios in the intersections of PA and active lifestyles as well as related environmental and health benefits in Finland. We used a disaggregative Delphi approach to examine the topic. Although frequently used in health-related research, Delphi has rarely been used in exploring alternative futures or non-consensus. The study design was based on a mixed-methods approach where we combined both qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Building on the experts’ perceptions on alternative futures, we formulated four scenarios for PA up to 2030, which we named Mismatch, Empowerment, Fatigue and Balance. The scenarios may be utilised as guides in developing future policies and decision-making, and to build better futures. Our scenarios demonstrate that alternatives do exist, and actions can be realigned with the positive scenarios of Empowerment and Balance. The physically inactive scenarios of Mismatch and Fatigue represent avoidable scenarios.</p

Primary Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Large-for-Gestational-Age Newborns by Lifestyle Counseling: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

In a cluster-randomized trial, Riitta Luoto and colleagues find that counseling on diet and activity can reduce the birthweight of babies born to women at risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but fail to find an effect on GDM