The Singapore Tele-technology Aided Rehabilitation in Stroke (STARS) Study (STARS)

This is an interventional treatment trial for Stroke focused on measuring Stroke Read More

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 40 years;
2. Recent stroke (defined as stroke symptoms occurring within 4 weeks prior to admission into community hospitals);
3. Diagnosis of stroke made by clinician and/or supported by brain imaging;
4. Able to sit unsupported for 30 seconds;
5. Able to stand on the non-paretic leg for >4 sec;
6. Able to walk at least 2m with maximum of 1 person assist;
7. Able to follow a 3-step command;
8. Living in the community before discharge and expected to be discharged home;
9. Has a caregiver.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Has a pacemaker in-situ (because of possible interference of pacemakers by wireless electronic signals);
2. Unable to ambulate at least 150 feet prior to stroke, or intermittent claudication while walking less than 200 meters;
3. Serious cardiac conditions (hospitalization for myocardial infarction or heart surgery within 3 months, history of severe congestive heart failure, serious and unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during activities of daily living);
4. History of serious chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or oxygen dependence;
5. Severe weight bearing pain;
6. Pre-existing neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or severe dementia
7. History of major head trauma with severe residual deficits;
8. Lower extremity amputation;
9. Legal blindness or severe visual impairment;
10. Severe uncontrolled psychiatric illness such as psychosis, schizophrenia or medication refractory depression;
11. Life expectancy less than three months;
12. Severe arthritis or orthopedic problems that limit passive ranges of motion of lower extremity (knee flexion contracture of > 10°, knee flexion ROM < 90°, hip flexion contracture > 25°, and ankle plantar flexion contracture > 15°);
13. History of sustained alcoholism or drug abuse in the last six months;
14. Hypertension with systolic blood pressure greater than 200 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure greater than 110 mmHg at rest, that cannot be medically controlled into the resting range of 180/100 mmHg.