Effectiveness of the ACE Mover Method to Elicit Positive Healthy Behavior and Lifestyle Changes in Vulnerable Groups

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the ACE Mover Method educational model at modifying healthy lifestyle behaviors in a cohort comprised of various minority groups (Hispanic/Latino, Black, and Asian/Pacific Islander) and older adults. Methods: Participants were randomized to one of the following groups: 1. The treatment group (N=32) received a 10wk ACE Mover Method intervention consisting of weekly, client-centered educational sessions in addition to performing their 10wk personalized exercise program, and 2) The second group (N=32) performed their 10wk personalized exercise program and served as the controls. Results: After 10wk, cardiometabolic health and cardiorespiratory fitness improved (p < 0.05) in both control and Mover Method groups. With the exception of waist circumference and LDL cholesterol (p < 0.05), the changes from baseline to 10wk across various cardiometabolic health variables and cardiorespiratory fitness were similar for both groups (p > 0.05).  Healthy behavior and lifestyle scores were similar at baseline between groups. In the control group, there were no significant (p > 0.05) changes between baseline and 10wk in any healthy behavior and lifestyle scores. In contrast, in the Mover Method group, there were significant improvements (p < 0.05) from baseline to 10wk within all healthy behavior and lifestyle change categories. Conclusions: Our current findings provide critical translational evidence demonstrating personalized exercise programming based upon the ACE IFT model guidelines, including the ACE Mover Method paradigm, can be successfully implemented within vulnerable groups of clients to improve cardiometabolic health and facilitate healthy lifestyle changes.