Fueling Strong Hearts for a Strong South Carolina

Summary

South Carolina is home to many survivors of stroke. After leaving the hospital and finishing therapies, stroke survivors often do not have the supports they need to fully recover. Many live with problems for a long time after their stroke, such as trouble walking or doing everyday tasks like cleaning, grocery shopping, or cooking. Research suggests that healthy habits, like moving more, eating well, and being at a healthy weight, can improve most of these disabilities. These habits can be hard to form alone though, especially in rural areas that may not have many healthy foods or places to exercise. Research-based programs can help people form healthy habits. These programs have not been tested in stroke survivors who have different needs though. The goal of this research project is to test StrongPeople StrongHearts, a health program, to see if it helps stroke survivors in South Carolina make better choices for their health and improve their quality of life. The program will be delivered online so that survivors in rural areas can be in the program. One group will also receive a weekly grocery box tailored to their needs to improve access to healthy foods. This study could help increase access to research-based programs for stroke survivors who do not have the supports they did soon after their stroke. This step is important for stroke survivors' long-term health and quality of life, the mission of the American Heart Association.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age 45-80 years;
2. a diagnosis of stroke at least 6 months prior;
3. BMI \> 25 kg/m2;
4. ability to follow instructions, complete training, and to communicate exertion, pain, and distress;
5. access to computer or smart phone with internet to participate in a virtual intervention; and
6. provision of informed consent. Individuals who meet inclusion criteria must complete the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ) and be cleared for participation by a study exercise physiologist

Exclusion Criteria:

1. unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during ADL's;
2. Alzheimer's or other dementias;
3. life expectancy \<1 yr;
4. history of DVT or pulmonary embolism within 6 months;
5. severe hypertension with systolic \>200 mmHg and diastolic \>110 mmHg at rest;
6. history of seizures or currently prescribed anti-seizure medications; or
7. current enrollment in a rehabilitation trial to enhance physical or psychosocial recovery

Conditions3

Locations1 site

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