Randomized trial of Tapas Acupressure Technique for weight loss maintenance: rationale and study design.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to present the rationale, study design, and methods of an ongoing randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of an energy psychology intervention, Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT), to prevent weight regain following successful weight loss.


METHODS
This is a randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
The study is being conducted at a large group-model health maintenance organization (HMO).


METHODS
The study subjects are adult members of an HMO.


METHODS
TAT is being compared to a self-directed social support comparison intervention.


METHODS
The primary outcome measure is weight-loss maintenance at 6 and 12 months post-randomization.


CONCLUSIONS
This randomized controlled trial will test the efficacy of an energy psychology intervention, TAT, by comparing it with a self-directed social support group intervention. This is, to our knowledge, the largest randomized controlled study to date of an energy psychology intervention. Positive findings would support the use of TAT as a tool to prevent weight regain following successful weight loss.
Elder
Charles
C
Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR 97227, USA. Charles.R.Elder@kp.org
Gallison
Cherri
C
Lindberg
Nangel M
NM
DeBar
Lynn
L
Funk
Kristine
K
Ritenbaugh
Cheryl
C
Stevens
Victor J
VJ
D019050:Acupressure / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D012944:Social Support; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss