Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 35 to 85

Weight loss and exercise program for stroke survivors

Official title: Enhancing Mobility and Psychosocial Function in Obese Veterans Following Stroke Via Weight Loss and ExeRcise (EMPOWER)

Run by Medical University of South Carolina · NCT05901675 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a weight loss and exercise program to see if it can help stroke survivors who are overweight or obese improve their physical function and overall health.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages35 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
Enrollment130 (estimated)
SponsorMedical University of South Carolina
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charleston, South Carolina)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 7, 2023
Main results expectedOctober 2027
Study endsMarch 2028
Registry record updatedApril 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT05901675 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are stroke survivors aged 35-85 with a BMI greater than 25 and residual lower extremity paresis.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are unable to ambulate without assistance or have severe preexisting health conditions may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a lifestyle management program and a specialized exercise regimen on weight loss and physical function in stroke survivors who are overweight or obese. Participants will be individuals aged 35-85 who have experienced a stroke at least six months prior and have residual mobility impairments. The program focuses on optimizing walking abilities through explosive resistance training while promoting weight loss to improve overall health outcomes. The study seeks to fill a critical gap in understanding how intentional weight loss can benefit this specific population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mobility and reduce obesity-related health risks in stroke survivors.

How similar studies have gone: While there is extensive research on weight loss in neurologically healthy individuals, this approach specifically targeting post-stroke obesity is relatively novel and underexplored.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. age 35-85
2. stroke at least 6-months prior
3. residual paresis in the lower extremity (Fugl-Meyer LE motor score \<34)
4. ability to walk without assistance and without an AFO during testing and training at speeds ranging from 0.2-0.8 m/s
5. body mass index (BMI) greater than 25
6. 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.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. unable to ambulate at least 150 feet prior to stroke, or experienced intermittent claudication while walking
2. history of congestive heart failure, unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during ADL's
3. history of COPD or oxygen dependence
4. preexisting neurological disorders, dementia or previous stroke
5. history of major head trauma
6. legal blindness or severe visual impairment
7. history of psychosis or other Axis I disorder that is primary
8. life expectancy \<1 yr
9. severe arthritis or other problems that limit passive ROM
10. history of DVT or pulmonary embolism within 6 months
11. uncontrolled diabetes with recent weight loss, diabetic coma, or frequent insulin reactions
12. severe hypertension with systolic \>200 mmHg and diastolic \>110 mmHg at rest
13. history of seizures or currently prescribed anti-seizure medications
14. current enrollment in a clinical trial to enhance motor recovery
15. persons with child-bearing potential.

Where it's running

  • College of Health Professions
    Charleston, South Carolina, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Chris Gregory, PhD, PT — Medical University of South Carolina
  • Study coordinator: Ewan Willams, PhD
  • Email: williaew@musc.edu
  • Phone: 843-792-3477

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

  • Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke

    This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.

    Recruiting The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health · Heidelberg, Victoria and 1 other locations · NCT07019493

  • Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery

    This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.

    Recruiting Phase 2 Hokkaido University Hospital · Sapporo, Hokkaido · NCT06752720

  • A large health study in Hamburg focusing on chronic diseases

    This study is trying to find out what causes chronic diseases by looking at the health and lifestyle of 45,000 people aged 45 to 74 in Hamburg, Germany, and checking in with them over time.

    Recruiting Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf · Hamburg · NCT03934957

  • Investigating nutritional and environmental factors in elderly health

    This study is trying to find out how nutrition and the environment affect the health of older people living in Nanshan to help prevent diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.

    Recruiting Sun Yat-sen University · Shenzhen, Guangdong and 1 other locations · NCT03569735

  • Ocular Changes in People Using Tirzepatide or Semaglutide

    This study checks whether eye structure and blood vessels change in adults with obesity who are taking semaglutide or tirzepatide as part of routine care.

    Recruiting Istanbul University · Istanbul, Istanbul · NCT07924618

  • Whole-Body Vibration Training in Women With Obesity With and Without Type 2 Diabetes

    This study tests whether eight weeks of supervised whole-body vibration training changes ankle muscle activity and walking performance in women with obesity, comparing those with and without type 2 diabetes.

    Recruiting Pamukkale University · Denizli · NCT07924436

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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.