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Three-Year Effects of a Multidomain Lifestyle Intervention on Impulsivity: Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial

delete2026-02-01
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PRE
AI
C
Carlos Patricio Gómez-Martínez *
S
Spiller, Tobias
L
Lucia Camacho-Barcia
N
Nancy Babio
L
Laura Forcano
D
Dolores Corella
A
Aida Cuenca‐Royo
R
Rafael de la Torre
S
Susana Jimenez-Murcia
X
Xavier Pintó
M
Montse Fitó
Z
Zuo, Yingying
S
Silke Matura
F
Franke, Barbara
J
Jan Haavik
F
Fernando Fernández-Aranda
S
Sharif-Nia, Hamid *
DOI:10.1159/000550126delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Introduction: Research has consistently shown associations between elevated impulsivity and adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Specifically, impulsivity has been associated with higher body mass index and cardiometabolic issues. However, evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on whether impulsivity is responsive to a multidomain lifestyle intervention in older adults with overweight or obesity who are at high cardiovascular risk is limited. Methods: Participants from the PREDIMED-Plus-Cognition sub-study, followed for 3 years as part of the PREDIMED-Plus RCT, were included. Eligible participants had overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome at baseline. Participants were randomly allocated to either an intensive intervention group (IIG), with an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), physical activity, and behavioral support, or to a control group (CG), advised to follow an ad libitum MedDiet. The primary outcome of the current study was the evaluation of impulsivity, which was only assessed in participants from the PREDIMED-Plus-Cognition sub-study. Trait impulsivity was assessed using the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale and behavioral impulsivity through 4 neuropsychological evaluations at baseline, 1-year, and 3-year follow-ups. Z-score composites for global, trait, and behavioral impulsivity were estimated. Multivariate linear mixed models were used to assess the effect of the PREDIMED-Plus intervention on impulsivity among the participants who participated in the PREDIMED-Plus-Cognition sub-study. Results: A total of 306 participants (CG: n = 156; IIG: n = 150; mean age [SD]: 65.0 [4.7] years; 45.7% female) had impulsivity data at baseline. Compared to the CG, participants in the IIG exhibited decreases in trait impulsivity at 1 year (mean z-score change [95% CI]: -0.26 [-0.49, -0.03]) and in global (-0.28 [-0.52, -0.03]) and behavioral (-0.28 [-0.54, -0.02]) impulsivity at 3-year follow-up. Conclusion: An intensive lifestyle intervention combining MedDiet, physical activity, and behavioral support resulted in a long-term reduction of impulsivity among older adults at high cardiometabolic risk. Public health guidelines may consider multidomain lifestyle intervention strategies to decrease impulsivity. Impulsivity is the tendency to act quickly without careful thought. It is often linked to unhealthy behaviors, mental health problems, and a higher risk of disease. This study examined whether a 3-year healthy lifestyle program could reduce impulsivity in older adults at risk of cardiovascular disease. Participants in the intervention group were encouraged to follow a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. They also received guidance to increase physical activity and behavioral support to maintain these habits. In contrast, participants in the control group received general advice about following Mediterranean diet without calorie restriction or exercise recommendations. After 3 years, participants in the intensive lifestyle program showed larger reductions in impulsivity compared with those in the control group. Although both groups lowered impulsivity, combining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and behavioral support produced stronger effects. These findings suggest that a multicomponent lifestyle intervention using counseling to promote balanced diets and physical activity, with continued behavioral support to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, may help lower impulsivity in older adults at risk of cardiovascular disease and improve their adherence to healthier lifestyles. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to better understand how lifestyle modifications influence impulsivity.
Keywords:
Randomized controlled trial
Multidomain lifestyle intervention
Mediterranean diet
Physical activity
Trait impulsivity
Behavioral impulsivity

Journal

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics cover
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
IF:
17.4
Papers:
2.6K
Citations:
6.5K

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U
university of bergen
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institut d'investigacio biomedica de bellvitge (idibell)
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Bellvitge University Hospital
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