Directive and Nondirective E-Coach Support for Weight Loss in Overweight Adults

Background Although e-coach support increases the effectiveness of Internet weight loss interventions, no studies have assessed influence of type of e-coach support. Purpose The effects of nondirective (collaborative, flexible) and directive (prescriptive, protocol driven) e-coach support on weight...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of behavioral medicine 2011-04, Vol.41 (2), p.252-263
Main Authors: Gabriele, Jeanne Marisa, Carpenter, Brian D., Tate, Deborah F., Fisher, Edwin B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Behavior Therapy - methods
Counseling
Electronic Mail
Family Medicine
Feeding Behavior
Female
General Practice
Health Psychology
Humans
Internet
Male
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Middle Aged
Motor Activity
Obesity
Original Article
Overweight - therapy
Patient Compliance - statistics & numerical data
Sex Characteristics
Social support
Therapy, Computer-Assisted - methods
Waist Circumference
Weight control
Weight Loss
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Summary:Background Although e-coach support increases the effectiveness of Internet weight loss interventions, no studies have assessed influence of type of e-coach support. Purpose The effects of nondirective (collaborative, flexible) and directive (prescriptive, protocol driven) e-coach support on weight loss, dietary behavior, physical activity, and engagement were assessed in a 12-week weight loss e-coaching program. Procedures Overweight adults ( N  = 104) were randomly assigned to nondirective, directive, or minimal support. All received weekly lessons and feedback graphs via e-mail. Participants in the nondirective and directive support conditions received individualized nondirective or directive weight loss support. Results For females, weight loss ( η 2  = 0.10) and changes in waist circumference ( η 2  = 0.07) were greater in the directive than in the nondirective and minimal support conditions. Conclusions Differences in type of e-coach support are salient to participants. Directive support is beneficial to females in a 12-week e-coach weight loss program.
ISSN:0883-6612
1532-4796
DOI:10.1007/s12160-010-9240-2