Autonomy-supportive, Web-based lifestyle modification for cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women: Randomized trial

Abstract

The management of cardiometabolic risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia, is essential for the health of postmenopausal women. In this study, we identified the effects of autonomy-supportive, Web-based lifestyle modification for the management cardiometabolic risk of postmenopausal women, and assessed the mediation effect of intrinsic motivation. This study was a randomized trial involving 71 postmenopausal Korean women. For the intervention group, we provided the Web-based autonomy supports for 12 weeks; however, for the control group, individual consultations on healthy lifestyle was conducted at the first meeting. In the intervention group, cardiometabolic risks ameliorated as follows: waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio decreased by 3.9 cm and 0.03 cm, respectively; triglycerides decreased by 8.5 mg/dl; triglycerides-to-high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decreased by 0.21; systolic blood pressure decreased by 3.3 mmHg, and the visceral adiposity index decreased. Among the subdomain of intrinsic motivation, perceived competence, effort/importance, and perceived choice showed an association with waist circumference changes. Web-based autonomy supports can be effective in implementation and maintenance, and the amelioration of cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women.