Improving Health Behaviours and Clinical Factors in Individuals at Risk for Developing Noncommunicable Diseases: The ACCELERATION Program

Background. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs: e.g., heart disease, cancer) account for 71% of global deaths. Behavioural risk factors, like physical inactivity and inadequate nutrition, are crucial targets for effectively preventing such diseases. This cohort study evaluated the efficacy of a 12-week lifestyle behaviour change program, called ACCELERATION, for changing lifestyle behaviours (such as physical activity and diet) in individuals at risk of developing NCDs. ACCELERATION was rooted in evidence-based behaviour change techniques/frameworks (such as goal setting, action planning, and motivational communication). Methods. Individuals at risk for developing NCDs (N = 696) were recruited across four sites in Canada (British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec) to participate in the ACCELERATION program. Healthy lifestyle behaviours (e.g., physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption) and markers of psychological/physical health (e.g., depression, blood pressure, waist circumference) were assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 6-months post-intervention.Results. By the end of the intervention, participants had increased their weekly levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by 76.4 minutes (95% CI: 58.8 to 93.9), and their daily consumption of fruits and vegetables by 0.5 cups (95% CI: 0.3 to 0.6). Participants also showed significant improvements in psychological function (lower depression, better sleep) and physical health (e.g., reduced blood cholesterol, body mass index, waist circumference). Positive changes were generally maintained by 6 months post-intervention. Interpretation. Our findings support the efficacy of the ACCELERATION program for improving healthy lifestyle behaviour change. Other programs may find it beneficial to incorporate similar behaviour change principles (e.g., motivational communication). Trial registration: NCT02264366