Design and Outcomes of a Mothers In Motion Behavioral Intervention Pilot Study

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.