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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2013 Oct;38(9):932-43.
doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jst005. Epub 2013 Feb 21.

Treating rural pediatric obesity through telemedicine: outcomes from a small randomized controlled trial

Ann McGrath Davis  1 , Marilyn Sampilo, Katherine Steiger Gallagher, Yasuko Landrum, Brett Malone
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Treating rural pediatric obesity through telemedicine: outcomes from a small randomized controlled trial

Ann McGrath Davis et al. J Pediatr Psychol. 2013 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary weekly family-based behavioral group delivered via telemedicine to rural areas, compared with a standard physician visit intervention.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 58 rural children and their families comparing a family-based behavioral intervention delivered via telemedicine to a structured physician visit condition. Outcome measures included child body mass index z-score (BMIz), 24-hr dietary recalls, accelerometer data, Child Behavior Checklist, Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale, and feasibility and fidelity.

Results: Child BMIz outcomes were not statistically different between the 2 groups (F = 0.023, p = .881). Improvements in BMIz, nutrition, and physical activity were seen for both groups.

Conclusions: Both telemedicine and structured physician visit may be feasible and acceptable methods of delivering pediatric obesity treatment to rural children.

Keywords: obesity; randomized controlled trial; weight management.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
CONSORT flow of participants through study.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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