Objective: Mobile technology can improve lifestyle programs, but the monitoring techniques and carer feedback need to be optimized. To this end, we investigated the efficacy of telemonitoring physical activity and nutrition over 12 months in patients with metabolic syndrome in a randomized, parallel-group, open trial.
Methods: Screening all over Germany yielded 184 patients with metabolic syndrome. All patients attended a single 2-hour instruction meeting in their region concerning a combination diet and the importance of physical activity. Thereafter they were randomized into a control group (controls, n = 62) or one of 2 different intervention groups. Both intervention groups were issued accelerometers, which measured physical activity, recorded daily weight and calorie intake, and transmitted these data to a central server for use by patient carers. In the Active Body Control Program of University of Magdeburg (ABC) intervention group (n = 60), information and motivation was ensured by weekly letters. In the 4sigma telephone coaching (4S) intervention group (n = 58), this was accomplished by monthly telephone calls from the carers. Clinical and biochemical data for all patients were collected at 0, 4, 8, and 12 months without any regular face-to-face meetings between patients and carers. The primary endpoint was weight loss and the secondary endpoint was the presence of metabolic syndrome.
Results: After 12 months the dropout rates in the control, 4S, and ABC groups were respectively 35%, 17%, and 18%. The adjusted relative weight losses after 12 months were respectively 3.7%, 8.6%, and 11.4% (all p < 0.000 versus baseline). ABC was more effective than 4S (p = 0.041); 43% of the patients completing the study in the ABC group lost more than 15% of their baseline weight. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was no longer applicable in 58% of the cases in the ABC group, in 41% of the 4S group, and in 33% of the controls.
Conclusions: Telemonitoring of physical activity and nutrition markedly improves weight loss and markers of metabolic syndrome.
Keywords: metabolic syndrome; telemonitoring; weight loss.