Project Type
independent
Project Lead Center
North Texas Traumatic Brain Injury Model System
Project Start Date
09/30/2017
Project End Date
09/29/2022

Importance: Weight gain is common among people with TBI and greatly increases the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, pulmonary and heart disease. Approaches to weight-loss are lacking, yet necessary, due to the unique physiological and cognitive needs of persons with TBI. There is evidence that interventions that improve physical activity and healthy eating behaviors concurrently offer greatest potential for weight-loss. The Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) intervention is a 12-month, evidence-based weight-loss program that has been used extensively with the general population, but not with people with TBI.

Goal: We will conduct a randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy of the GLB-TBI on primary (weight) and secondary outcomes (step count; waist circumference; blood pressure; HbA1c and lipid panel; functional measures; risk of diabetes; and quality of life) at 3, 6, and 12 months from baseline. We will also develop and use a mobile app to compliment the GLB-TBI and support participant’s weight-loss overtime.

Outcome: Successful completion of this study will provide an evidence-based program, specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of people with TBI, which supports weight-loss and improves overall health and function. The intervention will be scalable to community agencies serving people with TBI.