Interactive web-based lifestyle intervention and metabolic syndrome: findings from the Red Ruby (a randomized controlled trial)

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a growing public health problem worldwide. Several interventions have been proposed to specifically target the problem. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an interactive web-based lifestyle for management of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted from June through August 2012 in Tehran, Iran. Participants were individuals with metabolic syndrome who had registered on the study website. Interested eligible participants were invited for a free clinic visit and clinical assessment. They were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 80) or control (n = 80) group. The intervention group received an interactive web-based program called the Healthy Heart Profile and were followed for 6 months. The control group received general information on metabolic syndrome. Anthropometric measures, glycemic status, and lipid profile were evaluated at baseline, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III report except for waist circumference, which was modified to ≥90 cm for both genders for the Iranian population. RESULTS: In total, 1,437 individuals registered on the study website. The mean age of participants was 44.2 years (SD = 10.0). There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups on any baseline variable except that participants in the intervention group recorded higher levels of LDL. The results showed a decrease in metabolic syndrome in both groups. These reductions were significantly greater in the intervention group at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. The intervention group showed significantly greater decreases (P < 0.05) over the control group for, respectively, systolic blood pressure (3-month: −10 versus −6 mmHg; 6-month: −11 versus −8 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (3-month: −10 versus −4 mmHg; 6-month: −11 versus −6 mmHg), weight (3-month: −2 versus −1 kg; 6-month: −4 versus −1 kg), body mass index (3-month: −0.5 versus −0.2 kg/m(2); 6-month: −1.1 versus −0.4 kg/m(2)) and improvement in HDL (3-month: 2 versus 0.64 mg/dl; 6-month: 6 versus 4 mg/dl). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the web-based interactive program was beneficial for individuals with metabolic syndrome. Comprehensive interactive web-based prevention programs are promising to help involve patients in improving management of metabolic syndrome and adopting a healthy lifestyle. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT201111198132N1. Registered 27 May 2013. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0950-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.