Background: Experience of stroke is associated with an increased risk for diabetes and metabolic syndrome, yet few interventions exist that have been tailored to the population's unique needs.
Purpose: To examine adherence and efficacy of the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance program (DPP-GLB) modified for individuals post stroke (GLB-CVA) using a randomized controlled trial.
Methods: Adults (18-85 years of age), >12 months post stroke, and body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were included in this study. Sixty-five individuals were assigned to either the GLB-CVA intervention or a 6-month wait-list control. Participants completed the 12-month GLB-CVA intervention, with attendance and assessment of weight, anthropometric, biomarker, functional, and patient reported outcome data collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months.
Results: High attendance (90%) and dietary and activity tracking (71%) suggest high adherence to the 12-month GLB-CVA. Six-month randomized controlled trial data indicate significant weight loss (p = .005) in the GLB-CVA group (7.4 ± 13.6 lbs, 3.65%) compared with the wait-list control (0.1 ± 10.1 lbs, 0%), and improvements in arm circumference (p = .04), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p = .028), 8-year diabetes risk (p = .011), and pain interference (p < .001). Combined 12-month data showed participants lost 10.1 ± 16.8 lbs (4.88%) and improved waist circumference (p = .001), HbA1c (3.6%), diastolic blood pressure (p < .001), pain (p = .001), social participation (p = .025), and eating practices (p = .01) and habits (p < .001).
Conclusions: Engagement in the GLB-CVA can result in weight loss and improved health for individuals who are overweight or obese following stroke. Future efforts should examine effectiveness in real-world settings and focus on knowledge translation efforts.
Keywords: Cerebrovascular accident; Nutrition; Physical activity; Self-management; Weight loss.
Experience of stroke is associated with an added risk for diabetes and metabolic syndrome, yet few interventions exist that have been tailored to the population’s unique needs. Our team delivered a health promotion program called the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance (DPP-GLB) modified for individuals post stroke (GLB-CVA) living in the community. We enrolled 65 adults (18–85 years of age), who were at least 12 months post stroke, and had body mass index of at least 25 kg/m2. Participants were randomized to either the GLB-CVA intervention or a 6-month wait-list control. Outcome data were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results showed high participant attendance (90%) and tracking completion (71%). Participants in the GLB-CVA intervention group lost significantly more weight (3.65%) and had greater improvements in arm circumference, HDL cholesterol, 8-year diabetes risk, and pain than participants in the wait-list control. Combined 12-month data showed participants lost 4.88% of their body weight and improved waist circumference, blood sugar (HbA1c), diastolic blood pressure, pain, social participation, eating practices, and habits. Due to these results, we concluded that engagement in the GLB-CVA can result in weight loss and improved health for individuals who are overweight or obese following stroke.
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