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Weight Loss and ExeRcise for Post-stroke Veterans
Enhancing Mobility and Psychosocial Function in Obese Veterans Following Stroke Via Weight Loss and ExeRcise (EMPOWER)
Who can join
Ages 40 to 80 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A diagnosis of stroke at least 6 months prior * BMI \> 30 kg/m2 * Residual paresis in the lower extremity (Fugl-Meyer LE motor score \<34) * Ability to follow instructions, complete training and testing and to communicate exertion, pain and distress * Provision of informed consent * Individuals who meet inclusion criteria must complete an exercise tolerance test and be cleared for participation by the study cardiologist Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to ambulate at least 150 feet or experienced intermittent claudication while walking * Unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during ADL's * Dementia * Life expectancy \<1 yr * History of DVT or pulmonary embolism within 6 months * Uncontrolled diabetes with recent weight loss, diabetic coma, or frequent insulin reactions * Severe hypertension with systolic \>200 mmHg and diastolic \>110 mmHg at rest * Current enrollment in a rehabilitation trial to enhance motor or psychosocial recovery
About the study
Weight loss interventions for neurologically health individuals have established benefits for improving physical and psychosocial function. The investigators believe that Veterans who have had a stroke would realize similar benefits and that the effects would be enhanced with concurrent exercise training. The investigators will study the effects of a 15-week lifestyle management program to determine if it can effectively improve some of the physical and psychosocial problems common in Veterans who have had a stroke.
What is being tested
- FOCUS-15 Lifestyle Management Program (dietary supplement)
- Exercise Training (behavioral)
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development · Participants: 99 · Started: May 1, 2024
Contact the study team
- Sarah A Jackson, BA MA · Phone: (843) 789-6700
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06322030
Locations in the U.S.
| South Carolina | Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, Charleston |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.