Active clinical trials for "Stroke"

Background: Stroke represents one of the major health problems worldwide, particularly in transitional and industrialized countries. Stroke has a remarkable socioeconomic impact, especially in the ageing population, and therefore stroke prevention is important. Secondary preventive measures and rehabilitation are essential for reduction of recurrent events. However, to date appropriate secondary preventive programs for patients surviving a stroke with minor or no residual deficits have been poorly studied. Specific aims/projects: The aim of this study is to validate the effects of an outpatient secondary prevention program on vascular risk factors, adherence to vascular-protective medication, exercise capacity and health related quality of life. Working Hypothesis: The outpatient rehabilitation program results in a significant short (3 months) and long-term (1 year) improvement of vascular risk factors, neurological functions, exercise capacity, adherence to vasoprotective medication and health related quality of life. Experimental design/Methods: This is a prospective, randomized clinical trial. At least 100 patients will be randomized either to the interventional group or to a group which is treated only by the family physician. All patients will be assessed at baseline, at 3 months and 1 year. The primary outcome is the number of reached cardiovascular health goals (6 metrics) between the interventional group and the group which is treated only by the family physician. Expected value of the proposed project: The study has the potential to show that an outpatient rehabilitation program significantly improves vascular risk factors, adherence to medication, enhances quality of life and eventually reduces recurrent strokes and other vascular events. If this is confirmed, introducing outpatient rehabilitation programs will have a major socioeconomic impact.

There are 3 specific study purposes. First, we will examine the treatment effects of RT combined with dCIT (RT + dCIT) compared to RT, dCIT, and a dose-matched control therapy (DMCT) in stroke patients. Outcome domains will include motor, sensory, and muscle functions, amount of arm activity in real-life situations, patient-reported outcomes of daily performance and quality of life, and kinematic performance. Additionally, potential adverse effects including fatigue, pain, and a biomarker of oxidative stress will be examined. Second, we will investigate if the demographical and clinical characteristics of stroke patients may predict the probability of achieving clinically important changes of treatment outcomes. Thirdly, this study will examine whether the improvements after treatment reach clinically important or not and assess clinimetric properties of the outcome measures.

Apoplexy patients with OSA are often not receiving a CPAP therapy due to generally poor acceptance and adherence. There is a great potential to significantly improve the treatment and care of these patients in a time economic way by telemonitoring the therapy in home environment. This study is planned to prove that telephone consultancy and motivation in times of recorded decreasing CPAP therapy usage can improve adherence, neurological function and quality of life.

Background. Cognitive, communication and physical weakness combined with environmental changes frequently cause changes in roles, routines and daily occupations. The educational intervention combines the best choice for teaching new behaviours since it involves the active participation of the patient in learning. Methods. Design. Randomized clinical trial. Participants. Total sample: 80 adults who have suffered a stroke with moderate severity and who have been discharged to their homes.Outcome variables. BI, FIM, MMSE, CNS, SIS-16, TCT, MRS, MSPSS, QLSF, FRT, RT, TUG, TST, a portable dynamometer and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data analysis. Descriptive analyses will include mean and 95% CI of the values for each variable. The Kolmogov-Smirnov (KS) test and a 2x2 mixed model ANOVA will be used. Intergroup effect sizes will be calculated (Cohen's d).

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of early intensive aerobic exercise regarding aerobic capacity, gait and balance, Health Related Quality of Life and participation.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability. Non-invasive brain stimulation can induce significant and sustained improvements in functional outcome. However the effect is inconsistent and difficult to predict, in particular in the subacute phase after stroke. Although several different stimulation techniques are available, it is unknown which is suitable for which patient. Objectives: This study has three main objectives: To compare the effects of two techniques of non-invasive brain stimulation (cTBC, continuous theta-burst stimulation; tDCS, direct current transcranial stimulation) on clinical recovery in patients with subacute stroke. To assess the effect of these brain stimulation techniques on brain organization with non-invasive imaging. To find clinical and neural predictors of responsiveness to brain stimulation therapy. Method: 45 patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke will be randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: cTBS, tDCS, or sham stimulation. Each group will receive the corresponding stimulation therapy 3 times per week for 3 weeks, immediately before intensive physical therapy. Before and after the treatment period, standardized assessments of sensorimotor function areas are obtained together with electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance recordings. These recordings will be used to analyze and compare the neural effects of each treatment modality. Clinical Implication: The results of this study might help optimize and individualize stimulation treatment for patients with subacute stroke. It may hence facilitate the transfer of brain stimulation therapy to routine clinical practice.

Title: A C E S Study: Can an arts based creative engagement intervention (CEI) following stroke improve psychosocial outcomes? A feasibility trial of a creative engagement intervention for inpatient rehabilitation. This is a feasibility randomised controlled trial of a novel intervention for stroke rehabilitation examining effects of participation in visual arts activities on psychosocial outcomes after stroke. The investigators hypothesise that participation in a visual arts based intervention (CEI) will improve stroke recovery variables, mood and self-esteem in stroke survivors receiving in-patient rehabilitation compared to viewing a portfolio of artwork. The results of the study will inform a sample size calculation for a full trial.

Prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled, open, blinded-endpoint trial with a sequential design. The randomization employs a 1:1 ratio of mechanical thrombectomy with stentriever and/or Thromboaspiration versus medical management alone. Randomization will be done under a minimization process using age, baseline NIHSS, use of IV tpa, vessel occlusion site and hospital. To evaluate the hypothesis that mechanical thrombectomy is superior to medical management alone in achieving more favorable outcomes in the distribution of the modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days in subjects presenting with acute large vessel ischemic stroke <8 hours from symptom onset. Subjects are either ineligible for IV alteplase or have received IV alteplase therapy without recanalization. Sample size is projected to be 690 patients for a difference in treatment effect of 10%.

Given that visual information comprises one of the most important and salient sources of information used during walking, that visual cues have been shown to be more effective than auditory cues in triggering gait adjustments and that stroke survivors have been reported to become more dependent on visual cues, the investigators hypothesize that visual cues would be more effective in triggering gait recovery and adaptability following stroke than interventions not including visual cues. The investigators will integrate visual cues with walking and turning practice, and contrast this intervention to routine overground walking practice. Stroke participants recruited from NHS stroke rehabilitation clinics in the West Midlands, will be randomized to one of three gait rehabilitation groups. Each group will receive the same frequency and duration of treatment delivered by qualified physiotherapists. Overground visual cue training (OVCT) and usual care (UC) groups will be treated in participating NHS sites. Treadmill training with visual cues (TVCT) will take place at the University of Birmingham.

Patients (UK only) at least 6 months post stroke, with upper limb deficits, may enroll. Patients will be randomized to one of two groups - a group implanted with a device that allows pairing VNS with rehabilitation and a group that only receives rehabilitation (no implant). Patients have two baseline evaluations, one evaluation after implant but before initiation of treatment, and then six weeks of rehabilitation or rehabilitation + VNS, followed by post acute therapy evaluations at 1, 7, and 30 days after the 6-weeks of treatment. The intent is to assess safety and provide preliminary effectiveness information for VNS for upper limb functional improvement after stroke. Implanted patients may receive longer-term treatment and follow-up after the acute study.