A pilot test of the GoWoman weight management intervention for women with mobility impairments in the online virtual world of Second Life.

Objective: Pilot test GoWoman, a small-group weight management intervention for mobility impaired women that was a disability- and gender-responsive adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program delivered in the online virtual world of Second Life(?). Objectives were to (1) examine pre-/post-intervention differences in weight, waist circumference, diet, physical activity, self-efficacy for diet and physical activity, nutrition knowledge and social support for weight management, (2) determine intervention feasibility (fidelity, attrition, engagement, acceptability). Design: Single-group modified interrupted time series quasi-experimental design whereby participants served as their own controls. Results: Thirteen women attended ?8 of 16 GoWoman weekly sessions and lost an average of 5.97 pounds (2.71?kg) (3.31%) body weight (Cohen?s d?=?0.74) and 1.44 inches (3.66?cm) (3.58%) waist circumference (Cohen?s d?=?0.83). There were significant improvements in physical activity, diet and self-efficacy for diet and physical activity. All benchmarks for feasibility were met. Ratings of intervention content, group interactions and support and virtual world experiences were highly positive. Conclusion: Findings suggest that a disability- and gender-responsive weight management intervention with peer group support delivered in an online virtual world is feasible, meaningful and may assist with weight management for mobility impaired women.