The effect of a healthy lifestyle intervention on quality of life in the chronically ill: a randomized control trial
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2002
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Abstract
Fatigue, stress and loss of physical function are some of the problems that can contribute to a reduced quality of life for individuals diagnosed with chronic illness (CI). Preliminary evidence shows those actively participating in their health care by developing a healthy lifestyle are reporting reductions in problems and improvements in their overall quality of life. The current study investigated the effects of a multidimensional treatment program incorporating a broad range of healthy lifestyle behaviors in combination to determine if the treatment could effect psychological well being or functional capacity of individuals diagnosed with CL This study evaluated the effectiveness (improvements in psychological and physiological status) of a self-care lifestyle modification program designed for individuals with either breast cancer or multiple sclerosis. It also examined the differential effectiveness of education, exercise training and a combination of education and exercise training on psychological and physiological outcomes. The study was a I-year randomized, wait-list controlled trial comparing treatment conditions with a wait-list control condition. Participants were 104 adults between the ages of 21 and 72 years. Stress, physical fatigue, emotional and physical functioning were measured using standardized questionnaires, and physical/functional capacity was measured using a bicycle ergometer and standardized fitness tests. Treatment conditions consisted of: (1) a Health Seminar (1 hour/week), (2) Exercise Training (1 hour/twice a week), (3) Combined Health Seminar and Exercise Training (total 3 hour/week); and ( 4) Wait-list Control continued receiving standard medical care. 79 participants (mean age, 49 years) completed the study. Mean pre-treatment scores on dependent measures were equivalent between groups. Treatment participants, when compared with control participants, demonstrated significant reductions at 14 weeks in stress and physical fatigue. Only participants in the Health Seminar and Combined Treatment demonstrated significant improvements in functional capacity. The positive effects do not differ across age or for time of disease-onset and were additive to the effects of other treatments (medical) the participants were receiving. An intervention designed for a combined population of individuals with breast cancer or MS was feasible and beneficial beyond usual care in terms of improved psychological and physical functioning and improved health behaviors.
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Bibliography: p. 102-170
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Citation
Malec, C. A. (2002). The effect of a healthy lifestyle intervention on quality of life in the chronically ill: a randomized control trial (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/13573