NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving movement and mental health in obese veterans after a stroke through weight loss and exercise

Official title: Enhancing Mobility and Psychosocial function in Obese Veterans following stroke via Weight loss and ExeRcise (EMPOWER)

Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11059600 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking to help veterans who are overweight and have had a stroke by trying out a 15-week program that mixes weight loss and exercise to see which approach works best for their recovery.

More Stroke research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRalph H Johnson VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2028
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01RX004281-02
Project IDNIH-11059600 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are obese veterans who have experienced a stroke and are seeking to improve their physical and mental health.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not obese or who have not experienced a stroke may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on helping obese veterans who have survived a stroke by implementing a 15-week program that combines weight loss strategies with exercise. The program includes caloric restriction and may involve supervised exercise training to enhance both physical mobility and psychosocial well-being. By comparing the outcomes of participants who engage in both weight loss and exercise versus those who only focus on weight loss, the study aims to identify the most effective methods for improving recovery in this population. Participants will be monitored using activity trackers to assess their progress throughout the program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mobility and quality of life for obese veterans recovering from a stroke.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that weight loss interventions can significantly improve health outcomes in neurologically healthy individuals, but this specific approach for stroke survivors is novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
    Charleston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gregory, Chris — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Gregory, Chris

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.