Design and outcomes of a Mothers In Motion behavioral intervention pilot study

Abstract

Objective: This paper describes the design and findings of a pilot Mothers In Motion (P-MIM) program.

Design: A randomized controlled trial that collected data via telephone interviews and finger stick at 3 time points: baseline and 2 and 8 months post-intervention.

Setting: Three Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) sites in southern Michigan.

Participants: One hundred and twenty nine overweight and obese African-American and white mothers, 18-34 years old.

Intervention: The 10-week, theory-based, culturally sensitive intervention messages were delivered via a series of 5 chapters on a DVD and complemented by 5 peer support group teleconferences.

Main outcome measures: Dietary fat, fruit, and vegetable intake; physical activity; stress; feelings; body weight; and blood glucose.

Analysis: General linear mixed model was applied to assess treatment effects across 2 and 8 months post-intervention.

Results: No significant effect sizes were found in primary and secondary outcome variables at 2 and 8 months post-intervention. However, changes in body weight and blood glucose showed apparent trends consistent with the study's hypotheses.

Conclusions and implications: The P-MIM showed promise for preventing weight gain in low-income overweight and obese women. However, a larger experimental trial is warranted to determine the effectiveness of this intervention.