Home-based lifestyle intervention for rural adults improves metabolic syndrome parameters and cardiovascular risk factors: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract The presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Targeted interventions to reduce MetS for high risk populations are crucial for the prevention of these chronic diseases. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 6-month home-based physical activity and diet intervention for rural adults with, or at risk of MetS. The randomised controlled trial was conducted in Albany and surrounding towns, Western Australia, 2014 – 2015. Participants were screened for MetS using the International Diabetes Federation criteria, and eligible participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 201) or control (n = 200) group. The intervention group received printed and online programme materials and motivational support, and the control group was waitlisted to receive the programme after post-test data collection. Anthropometry, lipid profiles, glycaemic status, and blood pressure were measured at baseline and 6-months post-test. In total, 312 (77.8%) participants completed post-test data collection and were included in the anthropometric analysis, and 274 (68.3%) participants were included in the blood sample analysis. After controlling for confounders, the intervention group significantly improved their triglyceride ( − 0.10 mM, p = 0.002), total cholesterol ( − 0.09 mM, p = 0.02), and non-HDL cholesterol ( − 0.08 mM, p = 0.02) concentrations compared to the control group. Waist circumference ( − 2.11 cm, p = 0.03), waist-to-hip ratio ( − 0.01, p = 0.04), weight ( − 0.70 kg, p = 0.01), and body mass index ( − 0.20 kg/m2 , p $_amp_$lt; 0.001) were also improved. These findings suggest that comprehensive home-based prevention programmes that include a combination of dietary and physical activity interventions are a promising means to prevent the onset of chronic disease in rural adults. Trial registration: anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12614000512628