A randomized controlled trial protocol for people with traumatic brain injury enrolled in a telehealth delivered diabetes prevention program (tGLB-TBI)

Obesity rates after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are high and are associated with greater risk of morbidity (diabetes, hypertension) and mortality when compared to the general population. Evidence-based interventions for this population are needed and our work modifying and examining the efficacy of the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB-TBI) are promising. Our recent randomized controlled trial included 57 adults with TBI who completed the GLB-TBI in-person and lost 17.8 ± 16.4lbs (7.9% body weight) compared to the attention control (0%). To broaden the accessibility of the intervention we will complete an RCT to assess the efficacy of telehealth delivery (tGLB-TBI) by enrolling 88 participants over a 3 year period. Results will provide a scalable telehealth weight-loss program that clinicians and community workers across the country can use to help people with TBI lose weight and improve health. The long-term goal is to reduce health inequities and broaden program dissemination to people with TBI that lack access due to environmental barriers, including living rurally or lacking transportation.