Lifestyle Interventions for Chronic Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
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.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on lifestyle changes like exercise and healthy body composition.
Is lifestyle medicine safe for humans?
How is the treatment 'Lifestyle Medicine' different from other treatments for chronic disease?
Lifestyle Medicine is unique because it focuses on changing unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as diet and physical activity, to prevent, treat, and often reverse chronic diseases, rather than relying solely on medications. It emphasizes a holistic approach, incorporating behavioral and motivational skills, and is often delivered by specially trained clinicians.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Lifestyle Medicine for chronic disease?
Research shows that lifestyle medicine, which includes changes like better diet, more exercise, and quitting smoking, can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and improve outcomes for those already diagnosed. These lifestyle changes have been shown to lead to remission in some patients and are supported by numerous studies and guidelines for managing chronic diseases.1681011
Who Is on the Research Team?
Christopher L Pankey, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
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
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intake Meeting
Intake meeting to collect patient information, understand goals, and develop personalized exercise plans
Intervention
Participants receive access to wellness facilities and personalized exercise therapy for 3 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for adherence and effectiveness of the lifestyle intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Lifestyle Medicine
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Lead Sponsor