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Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction programs led by a nurse/community health worker team are effective in urban settings. This strategy has not been adequately tested in rural settings. Objective: A pilot study was conducted to examine the feasibility of implementing an evidence-based CVD risk reduction intervention adapted to a rural setting and evaluate the potential impact on CVD risk factors and health behaviors. Methods: A 2-group, experimental, repeated-measures design was used; participants were randomized to a standard primary care group (n = 30) or an intervention group (n = 30) where a registered nurse/community health worker team delivered self-management strategies in person, by phone, or by videoconferencing. Outcomes were measured at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. A sample of 60 participants was recruited and retained in the study. Results: In-person (46.3%) and telephone (42.3%) meetings were used more than the videoconferencing application (9%). Mean change at 3 months differed significantly between the intervention and control groups for CVD risk (−1.0 [95% confidence interval (CI), −3.1 to 1.1] vs +1.4 [95% CI, −0.4 to 3.3], respectively), total cholesterol (−13.2 [95% CI, −32.1 to 5.7.] vs +21.0 [95% CI, 4.1–38.1], respectively), and low-density lipoprotein (−11.5 [95% CI, −30.8 to 7.7] vs +19.6 [95% CI, 1.9–37.2], respectively). No between-group differences were seen in high-density lipoprotein, blood pressure, or triglycerides. Conclusions: Participants receiving the nurse/community health worker–delivered intervention improved their risk CVD profiles, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels at 3 months. A larger study to explore the intervention impact on CVD risk factor disparities experienced by rural populations is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People compare themselves to others for self-evaluation, practical information, and motivation for healthy behaviors. The effect of active peer models on comparative thinking is unknown. The purpose of this 12-week, randomized, two-group pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a workplace peer modeling intervention on self-efficacy, motivation, and comparative thinking. The attention control group (ACG; n = 24) received general health information. The intervention group (n = 26) met with active peer models, received an exercise prescription and information. No significant group by time interaction effects were found. Comparisons on ability (how well am I doing), opinions (what should I think or believe), future self (think about my future), and modeling (be like someone else) all increased in the intervention group (n = 21) but decreased in the ACG (n = 22). Active peer models may support physical activity behavior change through specific lines of comparative thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with underlying chronic inflammatory processes. Literature reviews have analyzed a variety of integrative therapies and their relationships with chronic inflammation. This systematic review is unique in reporting solely on yoga's relationship with inflammation. Its purpose was to synthesize current literature examining the impact of yoga interventions on inflammatory biomarkers in adults with chronic inflammatory–related disorders. Method: Searches of several electronic databases were conducted. Inclusion criteria were (a) English language, (b) sample age >18 years old, (c) yoga interventions involving postures with or without yoga breathing and/or meditation, and (d) measured inflammatory biomarkers. Results: The final review included 15 primary studies. Of these, seven were rated as excellent and eight as average or fair. There was considerable variability in yoga types, components, frequency, session length, intervention duration, and intensity. The most common biomarkers measured were interleukin-6 (n = 11), C-reactive protein (n = 10), and tumor necrosis factor (n = 8). Most studies reported positive effects on inflammatory biomarkers (n = 11) from baseline to post yoga intervention. Analysis of the dose showed higher total dose (>1,000 min) resulted in greater improvements in inflammation. Conclusion: This review suggests that yoga can be a viable intervention to reduce inflammation across a multitude of chronic conditions. Future studies with detailed descriptions of yoga interventions, measurement of new and well-established inflammatory biomarkers, and larger sample sizes are warranted to advance the science and corroborate results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]