Abstract
Background: Even when optimal medical management is in place, inadequate physical activity is the
highest risk factor for secondary stroke, and Mediterranean-style diets also reduce stroke risk. Stroke
survivors require support to achieve these lifestyle changes, but access to services is limited, particularly in regional and rural areas.
Aim: To conduct a national, fully powered phase II randomised trial to test the independent and
combined effects and cost-benefits of telehealth-delivered physical activity and diet interventions on
reducing secondary stroke risk factors.
Method: 624 participants (stroke survivors able to walk independently) will be randomised to one of
4 trial arms; Physical activity intervention (PA), Diet intervention (DIET), PAþDIET or control. All
aspects of the intervention and assessments will occur via a telehealth service coordinated in
Newcastle. PA intervention will include twice weekly in-home aerobic exercise sessions, with
direct supervision by telehealth. DIET intervention will include provision of starter foods, menu
plans and regular counselling. Outcomes include reductions in systolic blood pressure (primary),
lipid profiles and glycaemic control (secondary).
Result: We have developed our PA intervention using an integrated knowledge transfer approach and
will pilot this from mid 2019. We have developed the Aus-Med diet (an adaptation of the
Mediterranean diet to the Australian context), and piloted it with a group of older adults. We aim
to launch the full trial in 2020.
Discussion: Our interventions have the potential to significantly reduce the risk of secondary stroke,
and improve the health and well-being of Australian stroke survivors, regardless of where they live.
highest risk factor for secondary stroke, and Mediterranean-style diets also reduce stroke risk. Stroke
survivors require support to achieve these lifestyle changes, but access to services is limited, particularly in regional and rural areas.
Aim: To conduct a national, fully powered phase II randomised trial to test the independent and
combined effects and cost-benefits of telehealth-delivered physical activity and diet interventions on
reducing secondary stroke risk factors.
Method: 624 participants (stroke survivors able to walk independently) will be randomised to one of
4 trial arms; Physical activity intervention (PA), Diet intervention (DIET), PAþDIET or control. All
aspects of the intervention and assessments will occur via a telehealth service coordinated in
Newcastle. PA intervention will include twice weekly in-home aerobic exercise sessions, with
direct supervision by telehealth. DIET intervention will include provision of starter foods, menu
plans and regular counselling. Outcomes include reductions in systolic blood pressure (primary),
lipid profiles and glycaemic control (secondary).
Result: We have developed our PA intervention using an integrated knowledge transfer approach and
will pilot this from mid 2019. We have developed the Aus-Med diet (an adaptation of the
Mediterranean diet to the Australian context), and piloted it with a group of older adults. We aim
to launch the full trial in 2020.
Discussion: Our interventions have the potential to significantly reduce the risk of secondary stroke,
and improve the health and well-being of Australian stroke survivors, regardless of where they live.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 12 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | International Journal of Stroke |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue number | 1_suppl |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- stroke prevention
- Physical activity intervention (PA)
- Diet intervention (DIET)