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

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

NIH-funded research Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11059600

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.

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 IDNIH-11059600 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

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

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

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 performed: 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

Charleston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.