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Stroke Prevention Rehabilitation Intervention Trial of Exercise (SPRITE) - a randomised feasibility study.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Kee, Frank 
Reilly, Philip M 

Abstract

Background The value of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke is untested despite these conditions sharing similar pathology and risk factors to coronary heart disease. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a trial of an adapted home-based CR programme, ‘The Healthy Brain Rehabilitation Manual’, for patients following a TIA/minor stroke, participants’ views on the intervention and, to identify the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used.

Methods Clinicians were asked to identify patients attending the Ulster Hospital, Belfast within 4 weeks of a first TIA or minor stroke. Those who agreed to participate underwent assessments of physical fitness, cardiovascular risk, quality of life and mental health, before random allocation to: Group (1) standard/usual care; (2) rehabilitation manual or (3) manual plus pedometer. All participants received telephone support at 1 and 4 weeks, reassessment at 6 weeks and an invitation to a focus group exploring views regarding the study. Two trained review authors independently assessed the manual to identify the BCTs used.

Results Twenty-eight patients were invited to participate, with 15 (10 men, 5 women; 9 TIA, 6 minor stroke; mean age 69 years) consenting and completing the study. Mean time to enrolment from the TIA/stroke was 20.5 days. Participants completed all assessment measures except VO2max testing, which all declined. The manual and telephone contact were viewed positively, as credible sources of advice. Pedometers were valued highly, particularly for goal-setting. Overall, 36 individual BCTs were used, the commonest being centred around setting goals and planning as well as social support.

Conclusion Recruitment and retention rates suggest that a trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel home-based CR programme, implemented within 4 weeks of a first TIA/minor stroke is feasible. The commonest BCTs used within the manual revolve around goals, planning and social support, in keeping with UK national guidelines. The findings from this feasibility work have been used to further refine the next stage of the intervention’s development, a pilot study.

Description

Keywords

Humans, Ischemic Attack, Transient, Recurrence, Treatment Outcome, Exercise Therapy, Risk Factors, Feasibility Studies, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Patient Compliance, Motivation, Recovery of Function, Time Factors, Social Support, Aged, Middle Aged, Home Care Services, Hospital-Based, Northern Ireland, Female, Male, Manuals as Topic, Patient Education as Topic, Stroke, Secondary Prevention, Actigraphy, Protective Factors, Stroke Rehabilitation, Fitness Trackers

Journal Title

BMC cardiovascular disorders

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1471-2261
1471-2261

Volume Title

17

Publisher

BioMed Central