Abstract
The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a multi-component program (PACE+ Japan) for nutritional improvement and changes in physical activity in a clinical setting. PACE+ Japan consists of life style assessment and making an action plan using a computer, in combination with counseling from a physician. Outpatients with life style related diseases were allocated randomly to two groups; a PACE+ Japan only group (n=26) and a PACE+ Japan & follow-up counseling group (n=25) and an age- and sex-matched control group (n=16) was also selected. The patients in all intervention groups completed a computerized assessment and created action plans to aid in physical activity and nutritional behavior. PACE+ Japan & follow-up counseling group received approximately 20 minutes counseling two weeks after PACE+ Japan. The control group received no intervention. The analysis of results one month after intervention showed an improvement in physical activity and a reduction in the total energy intake for the intervention group in comparison with that of the control group. There was no observable difference in other indices for the three groups. PACE+ Japan has a high usability and physician counseling was highly evaluated. In the future, effective follow-up in maintaining the effect will be pursued.
