title: Effective weight-loss using an e-health delivered physical activity and dietary intervention: A federal credit union pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a distance-based e-health program delivered across multiple rural Federal Credit Union worksites that focused on physical activity and dietary education. Program design and implementation were based on the premises of Social Impact Theory (SIT).
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of fifty-four participants (47 white. 7 black) aged 24 to 58 across different worksite locations completed 10 weeks of e-health delivered physical activity and dietary intervention. Pre to post weight changes were examined as a primary outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings showed that regardless of worksite location, participants on average reduced their weight by 10.13 lbs if they completed both the exercise and lunch and learn components of the study compared to a decrease of 2.73 lbs for participants who chose not to engage in the exercise related activities. Participant dropout from either group was less than four percent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study show the beneficial influence of physical activity integration using SIT upon distance programs targeting weight loss. In addition, the high adherence and weight loss success show promise and demonstrates the potential for e-health delivered exercise and lifestyle interventions. Further replication of results via additional randomized controlled trials is needed.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Mathew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gregoski
authors.affiliation: Wellness Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Janis
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Catherine G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.affiliation: Wellness Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Blaylock
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Sheila A O
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Paguntalan
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Frank A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Treiber
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D010865:Pilot Projects; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: e-health; m-health; social impact theory; weight loss; worksite