Zara Howard1, Lynda Ross2,3, Leanne Smith1, Nadine Baker1, Jennifer Nucifora1, Heidi Townsend4, Kelly Weir1,3,5, Shelley Roberts1,3,5. 1. Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Southport QLD 4215, Australia. 2. School of Exercise and Nutrition Services, Kelvin Grove Campus, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059, Australia. 3. School of Allied Health Sciences, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport QLD 4215, Australia. 4. Consumer Researcher, Gold Coast QLD 4215, Australia. 5. Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport QLD 4215, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite strong evidence for supervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for women with urinary incontinence (UI), and weight loss and exercise for overweight and obese women with UI, implementation literature on these combined interventions is limited. This paper aimed to describe the rigorous and systematic processes involved in the collaborative development, implementation, refinement and evaluation of a novel, holistic 12 week exercise training and healthy eating group program (ATHENA) for overweight and obese women with UI. METHODS/ DESIGN: This intervention description paper is part of a larger mixed-methods feasibility study of implementing the ATHENA intervention within a physiotherapy service at a public hospital in Australia. The collaborative intervention design had input from clinicians, researchers and a consumer representative. RESULTS: The intervention involved four evidence-based components-(1) supervised PFMT; (2) general exercise training; (3) pelvic health education; and (4) healthy eating education-delivered face to face over a 12 week period. Supporting resources developed included a Facilitator's Guide and Participant Workbook. CONCLUSION: ATHENA is an evidence-based, multifaceted, group-based intervention targeting exercise training and healthy eating for management of UI for overweight and obese women. The structured development process and transparency of intervention content and resources aims to enhance practical application and success in future studies.
BACKGROUND: Despite strong evidence for supervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for women with urinary incontinence (UI), and weight loss and exercise for overweight and obesewomen with UI, implementation literature on these combined interventions is limited. This paper aimed to describe the rigorous and systematic processes involved in the collaborative development, implementation, refinement and evaluation of a novel, holistic 12 week exercise training and healthy eating group program (ATHENA) for overweight and obesewomen with UI. METHODS/ DESIGN: This intervention description paper is part of a larger mixed-methods feasibility study of implementing the ATHENA intervention within a physiotherapy service at a public hospital in Australia. The collaborative intervention design had input from clinicians, researchers and a consumer representative. RESULTS: The intervention involved four evidence-based components-(1) supervised PFMT; (2) general exercise training; (3) pelvic health education; and (4) healthy eating education-delivered face to face over a 12 week period. Supporting resources developed included a Facilitator's Guide and Participant Workbook. CONCLUSION: ATHENA is an evidence-based, multifaceted, group-based intervention targeting exercise training and healthy eating for management of UI for overweight and obesewomen. The structured development process and transparency of intervention content and resources aims to enhance practical application and success in future studies.
Authors: Shelley Roberts; Zara Howard; Kelly A Weir; Jennifer Nucifora; Nadine Baker; Leanne Smith; Heidi Townsend; Lynda Ross Journal: Healthcare (Basel) Date: 2021-03-02