Abstract
Introduction: Health Coaching is a new method of facilitating improved individual self-management of disease processes, aimed at preventing catastrophic health incidences such as risks associated with heart disease and stroke relative to increases in levels of obesity, stress, cholesterol, and sedentary lifestyles, and, systemic inflammation. Purpose: The purpose was to determine how a physical therapist could be successful in coaching a client to wellness, and what kind of training would be necessary to be successful in promoting long lasting change in behavior to promote improved health in those with chronic disease, and to prevent disease and premature mortality. Pilot and Case Study: Changes in personal behaviors of a pilot patient who received physical therapy, health coaching and post rehabilitation fitness training, and a case study client who received health coaching alone over several months were evaluated and compared. The pilot study utilized motivational interviewing techniques only, and the case study utilized motivational interviewing, and behavioral methods using biopsychological techniques. A 3 month vision and SMART goals, were set and monitored with the client, and facilitated by the physical therapist who utilized health coaching methods. Result: The result is that either a simple form of health coaching or a longer form of counseling and coaching were both effective in improving the quality of life of one patient and one client coached. There is a need for Physical Therapists to obtain more substantial education in behavioral techniques to be effective coaches.