Taking people in United StatesNo phase

Weight Loss and Exercise After Stroke in Obese Adults

Tests weight loss programs and exercise to improve walking in obese stroke survivors.

Key facts

Who runs it: Medical University of South Carolina
Where: Charleston, United StatesSee the site
Trial code: NCT05901675
Registry title: EMPOWER: Effects of Weight Loss and Exercise Post-stroke
Status: Recruiting
People taking part: 130 people, planned
Started: 7 Jul 2023
Expected to end: Mar 2028
Type of study: Interventional, 3 groupsOne group gets no study treatment, for comparison.
Treatments tested: Lifestyle Management Program
Post-stroke Optimization of Walking using Explosive Resistance
Record updated: 15 April 2026

Who can take part

AI summary

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for adults who had a stroke at least 6 months ago, still have weakness in one leg, can walk without help, and have a BMI over 25.

Age: 35 to 85 years
Sex: Men and women can join.
Disease stage: Stroke at least 6 months ago, with leftover weakness in the leg (Fugl-Meyer LE motor score <34). Must walk without help or an AFO at speeds of 0.2-0.8 m/s.
Biomarker or test result: BMI greater than 25.

Main reasons for not taking part

Could not walk at least 150 feet before the stroke, or had leg pain when walking (intermittent claudication)
Heart failure, unstable heart rhythm problems, or angina or breathlessness at rest or in daily activities
COPD or needing oxygen
Earlier neurological disorders, dementia or a previous stroke
People who can have children

The registry criteria, word for word

Show all 21 criteriaShow less

Who can take part

age 35-85
stroke at least 6-months prior
residual paresis in the lower extremity (Fugl-Meyer LE motor score <34)
ability to walk without assistance and without an AFO during testing and training at speeds ranging from 0.2-0.8 m/s
body mass index (BMI) greater than 25
provision of informed consent. All subjects who meet criteria for training must complete an exercise tolerance test and be cleared for participation by the study physician

Who cannot take part

unable to ambulate at least 150 feet prior to stroke, or experienced intermittent claudication while walking
preexisting neurological disorders, dementia or previous stroke
history of congestive heart failure, unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during ADL's
history of COPD or oxygen dependence
history of major head trauma
legal blindness or severe visual impairment
history of psychosis or other Axis I disorder that is primary
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
history of seizures or currently prescribed anti-seizure medications
life expectancy <1 yr
severe arthritis or other problems that limit passive ROM
current enrollment in a clinical trial to enhance motor recovery
persons with child-bearing potential

Check if you might fit

Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.

Are you between 35 and 85 years old?

Where in United States

College of Health ProfessionsCharleston, United StatesContact: Ewan R Williams, PhDTaking people

About the trial

What the trial wants to find out

The prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults is ~40% and is projected to climb. It is well documented that obesity is associated with increased levels of disability as well as risk for numerous adverse health-related outcomes; including occurrence of stroke and all-cause mortality. Obesity is highly prevalent in stroke survivors (~30-45% of stroke survivors have BMI>30) and is associated with reductions in physical function and increased disability. Furthermore, neurological sequelae following stroke result in a myriad of residual impairments that contribute to significant reductions in physical activity, which further increase the risk for obesity. The alarmingly high (and increasing) rates of obesity amongst stroke survivors represents an area of critical clinical need and, despite an abundance of information regarding weight loss approaches in neurologically healthy individuals, there is a lack of information regarding the impact of intentional weight loss on overweight and obese survivors of stroke. Thus, the purpose of this study it investigate the effect of varying weight loss approaches on physical function and psychosocial outcomes in chronic stroke survivors.

The 3 groups in the trial

DIETTreatment being tested
Focus-15 is a 15-week lifestyle change program developed and delivered by the Weight Management Center at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Treatment: Lifestyle Management Program
DIET+ExerciseTreatment being tested
As above with, the addition of supervised exercise. The investigators developed an innovative rehabilitation approach, Post-stroke Optimization of Walking using Explosive Resistance (POWER) training; a high-velocity, high-intensity lower extremity resistance training intervention that improves post-stroke muscular and locomotor function. POWER training will take place over a 12-week period (3 sessions/week) with exercises including leg press, calf raises, and jump training, all performed at high concentric velocity, as well as trials of fast walking and functional movements.
Treatment: Lifestyle Management Program and Post-stroke Optimization of Walking using Explosive Resistance
Wait-list ControlNo study treatment, for comparison
Participants will undergo pre-, post- and follow-up testing but will not partake in any intervention during the same timeframe as those listed in the other arms. Participants will have the opportunity to be enrolled in one of the other arms once they have completed the WLC group timeframe.