Effects of a short-term health promotion intervention for a predominantly African-American group of stroke survivors

The study examined the effects of a 12-week health promotion intervention f or a predominantly urban African-American population of stroke survivors. Design: A pre-test/post-test lag control group design was employed. Participants/Setting: Participants were 35 stroke survivors (9 male, 26 fem ale) recruited fi om local area hospitals and clinics. Main Outcome Measures: Biomedical, fitness, nutritional, and psychosocial m easures were employed to assess program outcomes. Results: Treatment group made significant gains over lag controls in the fo llowing areas: (1) reduced total cholesterol, (2) reduced weight, (3) incre ased cardiovascular fitness, (4) increased strength, (5) increased flexibil ity, (6) increased life satisfaction and ability to manege self-care needs, and (7) decreased social isolation. Conclusions: A short-term health pr-emotion intervention for predominantly African-American stroke survivors was effective in improving several physio logical and psychological health outcomes.