Weight Loss After Stroke Through an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention (Group Lifestyle Balance-Cerebrovascular Accident): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Weight gain can be a consequence of stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), because of impaired mobility, behavioral and emotional disorders, and sensory losses. Weight gain increases the patient’s risk of recurrent stroke and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and pulmonary and heart disease. Approaches to weight loss in this population are lacking, although necessary because of the unique physiological and cognitive needs of persons after a stroke. Evidence shows that intensive behavioral therapy interventions that address both physical activity and diet offer the greatest potential for weight loss. The Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) intervention is a 12-month, evidence-based weight loss program that has been used extensively with the general population; this program was modified to meet the needs of people who have had a stroke (GLB-CVA). OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to examine the efficacy of the GLB-CVA on weight and secondary outcomes, compared with that of a waitlist control group. METHODS: This RCT will enroll and randomize 64 patients over an 18-month period. RESULTS: Currently, 51 people are waitlisted, with 23 out of 51 screened and 16 out of 23 eligible. CONCLUSIONS: It is anticipated that the findings from this RCT will contribute to the evidence base regarding weight loss strategies for people living with stroke. CLINICAL TRIAL: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03873467; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03873467