Effects of group- versus home-based exercise in the treatment of obesity

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1997 Apr;65(2):278-85. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.65.2.278.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of 2 aerobic exercise regimens on exercise participation, fitness, eating patterns, treatment adherence, and weight change in 49 obese women undergoing a year-long behavioral weight loss program. Participants were assigned randomly to weight loss treatment plus either group- or home-based exercise. All participants were instructed to complete a moderate-intensity walking program (30 min/day, 5 days/week). Group exercise participants were provided with 3 supervised group exercise sessions per week for the first 26 weeks and with 2 sessions per week thereafter. Home exercise participants were instructed to complete all exercise in their home environment. After 6 months, both conditions displayed significant improvements in exercise participation, fitness, eating patterns, and weight loss. At 12 months, the home-based program showed superior performance to the group condition in exercise participation and treatment adherence; at 15 months, participants in the home program demonstrated significantly greater weight losses than those in the group program.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Exercise* / psychology
  • Female
  • Group Processes*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Self Care / standards*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Loss