Lifestyle Interventions for Chronic Disease
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Developed nations worldwide are currently enduring a health crisis, as chronic diseases continue to decrease quality of life and promote additional disease states or even death for much of the population. Rural populations are at a particular disadvantage, as they lack access to health clubs, wellness programs and similar resources that are more available in urban areas. Although pharmaceutical therapies have continued to show therapeutic advancements, the rates of disease onset and death from chronic disease has not seen similar improvements, and in fact continue to worsen. Excitingly, significant evidence has been published demonstrating an affordable, effective treatment to directly treat and prevent these chronic diseases, but few have demonstrated successful implementation of this therapy, which is improved lifestyle. Specifically, physical activity and healthy body composition are powerful therapeutics that have been demonstrated to effectively combat and prevent chronic diseases. Additionally, improving these lifestyle factors are often more effective than pharmaceutical interventions without the wide range of side effects. Unfortunately, barriers exist on multiple tiers in the practice of family medicine that demote the implementation of lifestyle medicine. To better serve patients at risk of, or suffering from chronic disease, the investigators are seeking to establish a lifestyle medicine prescription program for rural West Virginia. This program will provide patient education on the benefits of physical activity, body composition, and help patients identify strategies to implement healthy lifestyle choices that can be sustainable for the long-term. Patients will be advised on local opportunities to increase physical activity (yoga studio, martial arts, fitness facilities, aquatic center, etc.) and provided access to the facilities they are most likely to adhere to regularly. They will also be provided training on exercise techniques, equipment, and facilities to increase familiarity and comfort in these settings.
Research Team
Christopher L Pankey, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for rural patients with at least two diagnosed chronic diseases (like obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes) where exercise therapy can help. They need a doctor's referral and must be willing to participate in lifestyle changes.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Lifestyle Medicine (Behavioral Intervention)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Lead Sponsor