Conclusions Stroke secondary prevention lifestyle interventions are effective in terms of affecting positive change in relation to lifestyle behaviours , physiological and secondary outcomes .
However , there was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of intervention on incidence of stroke recurrence .
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background Each year , approximately 15 million people worldwide have a stroke ; of these , five million die and another five million are chronically disabled .
Stroke recurs in approximately 25 % of patients during the first five years post-stroke ; recurrence may result in death , increased disability or institutionalisation .
Modifiable risk factors for recurrent stroke have been identified , and may be addressed by means of behavioural health promotion interventions .
Objectives This systematic review sought to establish the effectiveness of secondary prevention behavioural interventions , which address one or more modifiable lifestyle risk factors for recurrent stroke i.e. tobacco use , unhealthy diet , physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption .
Effects of a short-term health promotion intervention for a predominantly African-American group of stroke survivors.
BACKGROUND The study examined the effects of a 12-week health promotion intervention for 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 female ) recruited from local area hospitals and clinics . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Biomedical , fitness , nutritional , and psychosocial measures were employed to assess program outcomes . RESULTS Treatment group made significant gains over lag controls in the following areas : ( 1 ) reduced total cholesterol , ( 2 ) reduced weight , ( 3 ) increased cardiovascular fitness , ( 4 ) increased strength , ( 5 ) increased flexibility , ( 6 ) increased life satisfaction and ability to manage self-care needs , and ( 7 ) decreased social isolation . CONCLUSION A short-term health promotion intervention for predominantly African-American stroke survivors was effective in improving several physiological and psychological health outcomes
Conclusions Stroke secondary prevention lifestyle interventions are effective in terms of affecting positive change in relation to lifestyle behaviours , physiological and secondary outcomes .
However , there was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of intervention on incidence of stroke recurrence .
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background Each year , approximately 15 million people worldwide have a stroke ; of these , five million die and another five million are chronically disabled .
Stroke recurs in approximately 25 % of patients during the first five years post-stroke ; recurrence may result in death , increased disability or institutionalisation .
Modifiable risk factors for recurrent stroke have been identified , and may be addressed by means of behavioural health promotion interventions .
Objectives This systematic review sought to establish the effectiveness of secondary prevention behavioural interventions , which address one or more modifiable lifestyle risk factors for recurrent stroke i.e. tobacco use , unhealthy diet , physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption .