1.
A new clinical perspective: Treating obesity with nutritional coaching versus energy-restricted diets.
Dayan, PH, Sforzo, G, Boisseau, N, Pereira-Lancha, LO, Lancha, AH
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2019;:147-151
Abstract
Although current guidelines for obesity treatment endorse lifestyle modifications to achieve weight loss, energy-restricted diets are still the most commonly used method for the management of overweight. Diet restriction, however, not only is ineffective in promoting long-term weight loss but also may have more costs than benefits, predisposing the individual to fat regain. Several physiological and psychological mechanisms protect the body against starvation and explain how food restriction can promote paradoxically the opposite of what it is planned to achieve, triggering changes in energy metabolism, endocrine function and, thus, body composition. New approaches that focus on behavioral treatment without diet restriction, such as nutritional coaching, are showing strong growth that arises as an innovative way to create sustainable and effective lifestyle changes.
2.
Rehabilitation, the Great Absentee of Virtual Coaching in Medical Care: Scoping Review.
Tropea, P, Schlieter, H, Sterpi, I, Judica, E, Gand, K, Caprino, M, Gabilondo, I, Gomez-Esteban, JC, Busnatu, S, Sinescu, C, et al
Journal of medical Internet research. 2019;(10):e12805
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last few years, several studies have focused on describing and understanding how virtual coaches (ie, coaching program or smart device aiming to provide coaching support through a variety of application contexts) could be key drivers for health promotion in home care settings. As there has been enormous technological progress in the field of artificial intelligence and data processing in the past decade, the use of virtual coaches gains an augmented attention in the considerations of medical innovations. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed at providing an overview of the applications of a virtual coach in the clinical field. In particular, the review focused on the papers that provide tangible information for coaching activities with an active implication for engaging and guiding patients who have an ongoing plan of care. METHODS We aimed to investigate the use of the term virtual coach in the clinical field performing a methodical review of the relevant literature indexed on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases to find virtual coach papers focused on specific activities dealing with clinical or medical contexts, excluding those aimed at surgical settings or electronic learning purposes. RESULTS After a careful revision of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 46 records were selected for the full-text review. Most of the identified articles directly or indirectly addressed the topic of physical activity. Some papers were focused on the use of virtual coaching (VC) to manage overweight or nutritional issues. Other papers dealt with technological interfaces to facilitate interactions with patients suffering from different chronic clinical conditions such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, and chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS Although physical activity is a healthy practice that is most encouraged by a virtual coach system, in the current scenario, rehabilitation is the great absentee. This paper gives an overview of the tangible applications of this tool in the medical field and may inspire new ideas for future research on VC.
3.
Health Coaching Strategy to Improve Glycemic Control in African- American Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: An Integrative Review.
Ruffin, L
Journal of National Black Nurses' Association : JNBNA. 2017;(1):54-59
Abstract
Diabetes is a complex, chronic illness requiring continuous medical care with multifactorial risk-reduction strategies for appropriate glycemic control. Type 2 diabetes remains a global epidemic secondary to increases in physical inactivity and obesity. While many populations are at risk, African-Americans bear a disproportionate burden from diabetes and its complications. Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is essential to successful diabetes treatment and complication prevention. However, diabetes management requires daily patient involvement and skills. Health coaching has been very effective in assisting patients with self-care management. There is increasing evidence of the effectiveness of health coaching in terms of patient self-efficacy, adherence to treatment, behavioral changes, health service utilization, and health outcomes. Using an integrative review of the literature, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of health coaching as a strategy to improve glycemic control among African-American adults with type 2 diabetes. Health coaching was found to be an effective strategy in addressing poor glycemic control in African-American adults with type 2 diabetes. This integrative review articulates gaps in healthcare disparities, while capitalizing on an evidence-based, cost-effective approach to making a positive impact on the current global diabetes epidemic.
4.
Do we know how to design effective health coaching interventions: a systematic review of the state of the literature.
Hill, B, Richardson, B, Skouteris, H
American journal of health promotion : AJHP. 2015;(5):e158-68
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review health coaching interventions regarding effectiveness of health coaching for specific outcomes, optimal intervention approaches, and identification of specific techniques associated with effectiveness. DATA SOURCE Articles were sourced from CINAHL, Global Health, PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, Health Source, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Medline. STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials were included if the study (1) employed health coaching according to a predefined criterion; (2) clearly reported the use of health coaching; or (3) incorporated the use of coaching. DATA EXTRACTION Aims, participants, approach, behavior change techniques (BCTs), and findings pertaining to each study were summarized. BCTs were classified according to the CALO-RE taxonomy. DATA SYNTHESIS Data were synthesized by cross-tabulation of BCTs with study outcomes. RESULTS Fifteen of 16 eligible studies reported a positive intervention effect in at least one outcome. Nine studies (56%) did not define health coaching; the number of intervention sessions provided ranged from 2 to 48; and in three studies, one or more intervention details were unclear. It was hence difficult to synthesize the studies to adequately address our research questions. CONCLUSION Health coaching is a promising strategy for health improvements; however, future research should ensure clarity in reporting intervention details, clearer definitions of health coaching/theoretical bases, consistency in reporting BCTs, and the inclusion of process variables as outcome measures.