Through its affiliation with Rippe Lifestyle Institute the Lifestyle Medicine Initiative has access to cutting edge research published on an ongoing basis. In a typical year Rippe Lifestyle Institute researchers publish between 15-25 academic papers and abstracts. Many of the publications that have resulted from the collaboration between the Lifestyle Medicine Initiative and RLI may be found on Dr. Rippe’s CV. Click here to view a copy of Dr. Rippe’s CV.
Multi center trials on application of Lifestyle Medicine protocols
Opportunities exist for clinicians at participating hospitals to take part in multi center trials on the application of various Lifestyle Medicine protocols to treatment of various conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, osteoarthritis, obesity, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. The central data gathering location and research team will be housed at the facilities of the Lifestyle Medicine Initiative and Rippe Lifestyle Institute.
Opportunities to participate in externally funded multi center trials
Opportunities will be available for clinicians at participating hospitals to take in externally funded multi center trials where Lifestyle Medicine protocols may be utilized in conjunction with proper pharmaceutical therapy to provide synergistic benefits and potentially superior outcomes. Funding will be sought from external sources in conditions where Lifestyle Medicine protocols either are components of nationally recognized guidelines (e.g. JNC VII Guidelines, Institute of Medicine Obesity Guidelines, NCEP Guidelines, etc.) or in areas where the combination of pharmaceutical therapy and lifestyle modalities is likely to yield synergistic benefit. Opportunities to participate in such trials will be posted from time to time on the Lifestyle Medicine Initiative website, as well as discussed specifically with clinicians at participating hospitals.
Registries
The LMI research team has extensive background in developing Registries for various Lifestyle Medicine related conditions. One example of this capability was found in the REWARD Program (Registry of Weight and Related Disorders). This national Registry allowed physicians to enroll obese individuals and chart their progress on various weight loss modalities. Other Registries will be explored in conditions where Lifestyle Medicine modalities contribute to enhanced outcomes.
Clinical Protocols
The Lifestyle Medicine Initiative research team will supply clinical protocols and work with participating hospitals to assist in their implementation in areas of lifestyle intervention. Examples of areas where clinical protocols will be available include the following:
Physical Activity
The Lifestyle Medicine Initiative/Rippe Lifestyle Institute research team has developed research based protocols in a wide variety of aspects of physical activity. These include the following:
- Structured walking programs
- Strength training programs
- Other programs for aerobic conditioning
These programs will be made available for clinicians working in hospitals affiliated with the Lifestyle Medicine Initiative. Efficacy of these programs will be tracked to the Lifestyle Medicine Initiative.
Nutrition
The LMI/RLI research team has developed extensive protocols in the area of nutrition and good health. These protocols will be made available to participating hospitals in the Lifestyle Medicine Initiative.
Weight Management
Over 10,000 individuals have participated in various weight management trials conducted by LMI/RLI researchers. Research proven protocols for helping individuals safely and effectively lose weight have been developed and will be made available to participating hospitals through the Lifestyle Medicine Initiative.