Lifestyle Medicine: Establishing Clinical Approaches to Chronic Disease for Rural Patients

What this Trial Is About

Developed nations are facing a health crisis as chronic diseases continue to reduce quality of life and increase risks of additional health problems and death, especially in rural areas that lack access to wellness resources. This research aims to establish a lifestyle medicine prescription program for rural patients with two or more chronic diseases, focusing on physical activity and healthy body composition as powerful treatments. The program targets adults aged 18 to 64 and aims to address barriers in family medicine to improve patient health through better lifestyle choices. Participants referred by their primary care physician will opt into a three-month intervention that provides access to a wellness facility with various exercise options, including strength training, yoga, and group fitness. Each patient will receive personalized exercise therapy based on their goals and conditions, supported by coaching and monitoring from trained staff. The goal is for patients to achieve at least 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity, with motivational interviewing and support to encourage adherence. During the study, patients will attend an intake meeting to collect health information, set individualized goals, and complete questionnaires about their activity readiness. Researchers will monitor attendance, physical activity, body composition, blood pressure, blood glucose, and other health markers. The study will track demand, attrition rates, and self-efficacy over four months while maintaining standard medical care alongside the lifestyle program.

Lifestyle Medicine: Establishing Clinical Approaches to Chronic Disease for Rural Patients