Motivational Counseling to Reduce Sedentary Behaviors and Depressive Symptoms and Improve Health-Related Quality of Life Among Women With Metabolic Syndrome.

The study was done in a single urban community health center in northern Taiwan and only in women with metabolic syndrome, so it may not apply to men, younger adults, other regions, or other chronic conditions. Follow-up was only 12 weeks, and the authors say it is unknown whether the effects would persist. Sitting time was self-reported with a questionnaire rather than measured by a device, so participants' answers could be biased. The authors note selection bias because participants were not randomly selected from the wider population. Of 115 randomized women, 100 completed the study; 1 withdrew and 14 were lost to follow-up. The counseling group received both telephone counseling and a lifestyle brochure, so the effect of counseling alone cannot be separated from the brochure. The authors say they cannot conclude that reduced sitting time caused the improvements in depressive symptoms or health-related quality of life.

The authors report no funding or conflicts of interest.

Do not conclude that telephone counseling alone caused the benefits. The counseling group also received a lifestyle brochure, and the authors say they cannot conclude that reduced sitting time caused better mood or quality of life.