The use of group dynamics strategies to enhance cohesion in a lifestyle intervention program for obese children

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Most research pertaining to childhood obesity has assessed the effectiveness of preventative interventions, while relatively little has been done to advance knowledge in the treatment of obesity. Thus, a 4-week family- and group-based intervention utilizing group dynamics strategies designed to increase cohesion was implemented to influence the lifestyles and physical activity levels of obese children.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>This paper provides an overview of the rationale for and implementation of the intervention for obese children and their families. Objectives of the intervention included the modification of health behaviors and cohesion levels through the use of group dynamics strategies. To date, a total of 15 children (7 boys and 8 girls, mean age = 10.5) and their families have completed the intervention (during the month of August 2008). Physiological and psychological outcomes were assessed throughout the 4-week intervention and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up periods.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>It is believed that the information provided will help researchers and health professionals develop similar obesity treatment interventions through the use of evidence-based group dynamics strategies. There is also a need for continued research in this area, and it is our hope that the Children's Health and Activity Modification Program (C.H.A.M.P.) will provide a strong base from which others may build.</p

Examining the Role of Social Support and Group Cohesion in Exercise Compliance

The present study sought to examine the role of social support and group cohesion in the compliance behavior of females required to exercise for healthrelated reasons. Compliance behavior was assessed as attendance and dropout behavior.Participants(ND49) drawn from a clinical exercise group completed questionnaires to assess cohesion and social support. Discriminant function analyses were able to discriminate between high and low attenders as well as between dropouts and graduates. Participants reporting high scores on the support provision of reliable alliance and the cohesion factor of ATG-Task, along with low scores on the social support provision of guidance, were more likely to attend a higher proportion of classes. For dropouts, participants with higher scores on the support provision of reliable alliance were less likely to drop out. As a secondary objective, it was found that cohesion and social support variables both contributed to the successful prediction of attendance

Physician Counseling and Longer Term Physical Activity

While physician counseling has been suggested as a strategy to promote physical activity, there is insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness at present. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of brief physician counseling (modified PACE protocol) and telephone follow-ups on changes in the energy expenditure levels of patients over a 20-month period. Forty-five participants completed physical activity questionnaires at both baseline and 20 months. Following brief physician counseling (modified PACE protocol), patients were randomized into a counseling-only group or an enhanced counseling group that included 3 telephone follow-ups. Energy expenditure significantly increased from baseline (1.5 kcal/kg/d [KKD]) to 20 months (2.2 KKD, P .05). In line with the counseling provided by physicians, participants showed an increase in moderate intensity activities and a decrease in light intensity activities ( P s < .001). These findings provide support for the effectiveness of brief physician counseling. However, the additional telephone support did not appear to enhance the physician counseling