Fracture Risk Increases After Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack and Is Associated With Reduced Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: Fractures are a serious consequence following stroke, but it is unclear how these events influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to compare annualized rates of fractures before and after stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), identify associated factors, and examine the relationship with HRQoL after stroke/TIA. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (2009-2013) linked with hospital administrative and mortality data. Rates of fractures were assessed in the 1-year period before and after stroke/TIA. Negative binomial regression, with censoring at death, was used to identify factors associated with fractures after stroke/TIA. Respondents provided HRQoL data once between 90 and 180 days after stroke/TIA using the EuroQoL 5-dimensional 3-level instrument. Adjusted logistic regression was used to assess differences in HRQoL at 90 to 180 days by previous fracture. RESULTS: Among 13 594 adult survivors of stroke/TIA (49.7% aged ≥75 years, 45.5% female, 47.9% unable to walk on admission), 618 fractures occurred in the year before stroke/TIA (45 fractures per 1000 person-years) compared with 888 fractures in the year after stroke/TIA (74 fractures per 1000 person-years). This represented a relative increase of 63% (95% CI, 47%-80%). Factors associated with poststroke fractures included being female (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.34 [95% CI, 1.05-1.72]), increased age (per 10-year increase, IRR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.21-1.50]), history of prior fracture(s; IRR, 2.56 [95% CI, 1.77-3.70]), and higher Charlson Comorbidity Scores (per 1-point increase, IRR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.10-1.27]). Receipt of stroke unit care was associated with fewer poststroke fractures (IRR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.49-0.93]). HRQoL at 90 to 180 days was worse among patients with prior fracture across the domains of mobility, self-care, usual activities, and pain/discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Fracture risk increases substantially after stroke/TIA, and a history of these events is associated with poorer HRQoL at 90 to 180 days after stroke/TIA.

Occlusive Disease and Upright Activity in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

The impact of out-of-bed upright activity on outcomes in ischemic stroke patients with severe extra- and intracranial stenosis or occlusion is unknown. Using ultrasound findings from a cohort recruited to A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial (AVERT) which compared higher dose very early mobilisation (VEM) to usual care (UC), we aimed to explore the association between occlusive disease and 3-month outcomes and occlusive disease-by-mobilisation treatment interactions. Participants with ischemic stroke, with carotid and transcranial Doppler ultrasounds performed ≤1 week after admission, were included in this single centre substudy in Melbourne, Australia. Reports were retrospectively reviewed to determine the degree of stenosis or presence of occlusion in the relevant arterial territory. Stenosis ≥70% extracranial or ≥50% intracranial were classified as severe or occlusion. Overall, 19% (n = 36/191) had occlusive disease in the affected circulation. About 40% (n = 14/36) with occlusive disease and 51% (n = 79/155) without had a 3-month favourable outcome (mRS 0-2) (adjusted OR0.53, CI0.17-1.67). Fourteen percent (n = 5) with occlusive disease and 4% (n = 6) without died by 3 months (adjusted OR2.52, CI0.6-10.7). Fifty percent (n = 11/22) of UC (adjusted OR0.86, CI0.23-3.2) and 21% (n = 3/14) of VEM participants (adjusted OR0.16, CI0.01-2.7) with occlusive disease had a favourable outcome. Almost 30% (n = 4) VEM participants with occlusive disease died (adjusted OR3.99, CI0.69-22.9) compared to 5% (n = 1) UC participants with occlusive disease (adjusted OR0.45, CI0.02-8.6), however numbers were small. No stenosis-by-treatment interactions were found. High quality prospective studies are needed to help guide decision making about when patients with occlusive disease should commence upright activity in acute stroke.

Activity monitors for increasing physical activity in adult stroke survivors.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the third leading cause of disability worldwide. Physical activity is important for secondary stroke prevention and for promoting functional recovery. However, people with stroke are more inactive than healthy age-matched controls. Therefore, interventions to increase activity after stroke are vital to reduce stroke-related disability. OBJECTIVES: To summarise the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of commercially available, wearable activity monitors and smartphone applications for increasing physical activity levels in people with stroke. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and the following clinical trial registers: WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Clinical Trials, EU Clinical Trial Register, ISRCTN Registry, Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, and Stroke Trials Registry to 3 March 2018. We also searched reference lists, Web of Science forward tracking, and Google Scholar, and contacted trial authors to obtain further data if required. We did not restrict the search on language or publication status. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and randomised cross-over trials that included use of activity monitors versus no intervention, another type of intervention, or other activity monitor. Participants were aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of stroke, in hospital or living in the community. Primary outcome measures were steps per day and time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity. Secondary outcomes were sedentary time, time spent in light intensity physical activity, walking duration, fatigue, mood, quality of life, community participation and adverse events. We excluded upper limb monitors that only measured upper limb activity. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We followed standard Cochrane methodology to analyse and interpret the data. At least two authors independently screened titles and abstracts for inclusion. We resolved disagreements by consulting a third review author. We extracted the following data from included studies into a standardised template: type of study, participant population, study setting, intervention and co-interventions, time-frame, and outcomes. We graded levels of bias as high, low, or unclear, and assessed the quality of evidence for each outcome using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We retrieved 28,098 references, from which we identified 29 potential articles. Four RCTs (in 11 reports) met the inclusion criteria.The sample sizes ranged from 27 to 135 (total 245 participants). Time poststroke varied from less than one week (n = 1), to one to three months (n = 2), or a median of 51 months (n = 1). Stroke severity ranged from a median of one to six on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Three studies were conducted in inpatient rehabilitation, and one was in a university laboratory. All studies compared use of activity monitor plus another intervention (e.g. a walking retraining programme or an inpatient rehabilitation programme) versus the other intervention alone. Three studies reported on the primary outcome of daily step counts.There was no clear effect for the use of activity monitors in conjunction with other interventions on step count in a community setting (mean difference (MD) -1930 steps, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4410 to 550; 1 RCT, 27 participants; very low-quality evidence), or in an inpatient rehabilitation setting (MD 1400 steps, 95% CI -40 to 2840; 2 RCTs, 83 participants; very low-quality evidence). No studies reported the primary outcome moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, but one did report time spent in moderate and vigorous intensity activity separately: this study reported that an activity monitor in addition to usual inpatient rehabilitation increased the time spent on moderate intensity physical activity by 4.4 minutes per day (95% CI 0.28 to 8.52; 1 RCT, 48 participants; low-quality evidence) compared with usual rehabilitation alone, but there was no clear effect for the use of an activity monitor plus usual rehabilitation for increasing time spent in vigorous intensity physical activity compared to usual rehabilitation (MD 2.6 minutes per day, 95% CI -0.8 to 6; 1 RCT, 48 participants; low-quality evidence). The overall risk of bias was low, apart from high-risk for blinding of participants and study personnel. None of the included studies reported any information relating to adverse effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Only four small RCTs with 274 participants (three in inpatient rehabilitation and one in the community) have examined the efficacy of activity monitors for increasing physical activity after stroke. Although these studies showed activity monitors could be incorporated into practice, there is currently not enough evidence to support the use of activity monitors to increase physical activity after stroke.

Benefits of clinical facilitators on improving stroke care in acute hospitals: a new programme for Australia.

BACKGROUND: Care gaps for stroke lead to preventable disability and deaths. The Victorian State Government implemented a programme of employing clinical Facilitators on a fixed-term basis for up to 3 years (2008-2011) in eight hospitals to improve stroke care. The Facilitators were to establish stroke units where absent, implement evidence-based management protocols and provide staff education within an agreed work plan. AIM: To determine if the Facilitator role was associated with improved stroke care and to describe factors supporting or mitigating enhancements to care. METHODS: A mixed methods design was employed with historical control using patient-level audit data (pre-Facilitator: n = 600; post-Facilitator: n = 387) and qualitative data from independently conducted semistructured interviews with hospital staff, including clinicians, executives and facilitators (n = 10 focus groups; 75 respondents). RESULTS: Stroke units, clinical pathways and outpatient clinics for managing transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) were established. Compared with the pre-Facilitator period, significant increases in patient access to stroke unit care (53% vs 86%, P < 0.001) and intravenous thrombolysis (2% vs 9%, P < 0.001) were achieved. Hospital staff reported that the Facilitator was integral to system improvements by fostering communication, encouraging team motivation and cohesiveness and increasing interest in stroke care. Ongoing barriers included limited resources to operate TIA clinics effectively, staff turnover requiring ongoing education, inconsistency in compliance with protocols and, in some hospitals, the need for formalised medical leadership. CONCLUSION: Fixed-term employment of Facilitators was effective in positively influencing stroke care in hospitals through a range of change management strategies where stroke-specific expertise had been previously limited.

Cerebral hemodynamic response to upright position in acute ischemic stroke.

Introduction: Concerns exist that a potential mechanism for harm from upright activity (sitting, standing, and walking) early after an acute ischaemic stroke could be the reduction of cerebral perfusion during this critical phase. We aimed to estimate the effects of upright positions (sitting and standing) on cerebral hemodynamics within 48 h and later, 3-7 days post-stroke, in patients with strokes with and without occlusive disease and in controls. Methods: We investigated MCAv using transcranial Doppler in 0° head position, then at 30°, 70°, 90° sitting, and 90° standing, at <48 h post-stroke, and later at 3-7 days post-stroke. Mixed-effect linear regression modeling was used to estimate differences in MCAv between the 0° and other positions and to compare MCAv changes across groups. Results: A total of 42 stroke participants (anterior and posterior circulation) (13 with occlusive disease, 29 without) and 22 controls were recruited. Affected hemisphere MCAv decreased in strokes with occlusive disease (<48 h post-stroke): from 0° to 90° sitting (-9.9 cm/s, 95% CI[-16.4, -3.4]) and from 0° to 90° standing (-7.1 cm/s, 95%CI[-14.3, -0.01]). Affected hemisphere MCAv also decreased in strokes without occlusive disease: from 0° to 90° sitting (-3.3 cm/s, 95%CI[-5.6, -1.1]) and from 0° to 90° standing (-3.6 cm/s, 95%CI [-5.9, -1.3]) (p-value interaction stroke with vs. without occlusive disease = 0.07). A decrease in MCAv when upright was also observed in controls: from 0° to 90° sitting (-3.8 cm/s, 95%CI[-6.0, -1.63]) and from 0° to 90° standing (-3 cm/s, 95%CI[-5.2, -0.81]) (p-value interaction stroke vs. controls = 0.85). Subgroup analysis of anterior circulation stroke showed similar patterns of change in MCAv in the affected hemisphere, with a significant interaction between those with occlusive disease (n = 11) and those without (n = 26) (p = 0.02). Changes in MCAv from 0° to upright at <48 h post-stroke were similar to 3-7 days. No association between changes in MCAv at <48 h and the 30-day modified Rankin Scale was found. Discussion: Moving to more upright positions <2 days post-stroke does reduce MCAv in the affected hemisphere; however, these changes were not significantly different for stroke participants (anterior and posterior circulation) with and without occlusive disease, nor for controls. The decrease in MCAv in anterior circulation stroke with occlusive disease significantly differed from without occlusive disease. However, the sample size was small, and more research is warranted to confirm these findings.

Development of the Valued Living Questionnaire - Comprehension Support version (VLQ-CS) and validation in adults with acquired brain injury.

PURPOSE: Valued living (acting in accordance with personal values) is associated with better outcomes after acquired brain injury (ABI), but its measurement using the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ) may not be valid due to comprehension errors relating to structure and content. We aimed to modify the VLQ to improve its accessibility and evaluate construct validity and reliability in an ABI cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adaptations made in the VLQ - Comprehension Support version (VLQ-CS) used established communication support methods and addressed common comprehension errors. 103 community-dwelling participants (34% female; mean age 52.17, range 19-79) with ABI (66% stroke, 16% TBI, 18% other) completed the VLQ-CS, and measures of convergent (valued living, mood, wellbeing, psychological inflexibility) and divergent validity (subjective memory). Test-retest reliability was evaluated with repeated administrations 6-8 weeks apart for a subset of participants (n = 44), using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs). RESULTS: Convergent validity was supported; VLQ-CS scores were positively correlated with measures of valued living (r=.60-.65) and wellbeing (r=.64-.67), and negatively correlated with depression (r=-0.56-.58), anxiety (r=-0.35-.38) and psychological inflexibility (r=-0.37-.41). Divergent validity was marginal (r=-0.29). Test-retest reliability was good for the VLQ-CS Composite score (ICC=.80). CONCLUSIONS: The VLQ-CS shows promise as a valid, reliable measure of valued living post-ABI. Future research should extend to neurotypical and other clinical populations.

Valued living or values-based action is associated with better functional and psychosocial outcomes after acquired brain injury (ABI) and is therefore an important target for intervention.Measurement of valued living needs to be clear, easily understood, and relevant for people with cognitive and communication impairments associated with ABI and other conditions.The Valued Living Questionnaire ­ Comprehension Support version (VLQ-CS) was developed to optimise accessibility and reduce comprehension errors.The VLQ-CS is valid, reliable and fit-for-purpose as a measure of valued living for people with ABI.

Standardized measurement of balance and mobility post-stroke: Consensus-based core recommendations from the third Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable.

BACKGROUND: Mobility is a key priority for stroke survivors. Worldwide consensus of standardized outcome instruments for measuring mobility recovery after stroke is an essential milestone to optimize the quality of stroke rehabilitation and recovery studies and to enable data synthesis across trials. METHODS: Using a standardized methodology, which involved convening of 13 worldwide experts in the field of mobility rehabilitation, consensus was established through an a priori defined survey-based approach followed by group discussions. The group agreed on balance- and mobility-related definitions and recommended a core set of outcome measure instruments for lower extremity motor function, balance and mobility, biomechanical metrics, and technologies for measuring quality of movement. RESULTS: Selected measures included the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment lower extremity subscale for motor function, the Trunk Impairment Scale for sitting balance, and the Mini Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BESTest) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for standing balance. The group recommended the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC, 0-5) for walking independence, the 10-meter Walk Test (10 mWT) for walking speed, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) for walking endurance, and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) for complex walking. An FAC score of less than three should be used to determine the need for an additional standing test (FAC < 3, add BBS to Mini-BESTest) or the feasibility to assess walking (FAC < 3, 10 mWT, 6 MWT, and DGI are "not testable"). In addition, recommendations are given for prioritized kinetic and kinematic metrics to be investigated that measure recovery of movement quality of standing balance and walking, as well as for assessment protocols and preferred equipment to be used. CONCLUSIONS: The present recommendations of measures, metrics, technology, and protocols build on previous consensus meetings of the International Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Alliance to guide the research community to improve the validity and comparability between stroke recovery and rehabilitation studies as a prerequisite for building high-quality, standardized "big data" sets. Ultimately, these recommendations could lead to high-quality, participant-specific data sets to aid the progress toward precision medicine in stroke rehabilitation.

Standardized measurement of balance and mobility post-stroke: Consensus-based core recommendations from the third Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable.

BACKGROUND: Mobility is a key priority for stroke survivors. Worldwide consensus of standardized outcome instruments for measuring mobility recovery after stroke is an essential milestone to optimize the quality of stroke rehabilitation and recovery studies and to enable data synthesis across trials. METHODS: Using a standardized methodology, which involved convening of 13 worldwide experts in the field of mobility rehabilitation, consensus was established through an a priori defined survey-based approach followed by group discussions. The group agreed on balance- and mobility-related definitions and recommended a core set of outcome measure instruments for lower extremity motor function, balance and mobility, biomechanical metrics, and technologies for measuring quality of movement. RESULTS: Selected measures included the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment lower extremity subscale for motor function, the Trunk Impairment Scale for sitting balance, and the Mini Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BESTest) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for standing balance. The group recommended the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC, 0-5) for walking independence, the 10-meter Walk Test (10 mWT) for walking speed, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) for walking endurance, and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) for complex walking. An FAC score of less than three should be used to determine the need for an additional standing test (FAC < 3, add BBS to Mini-BESTest) or the feasibility to assess walking (FAC < 3, 10 mWT, 6 MWT, and DGI are "not testable"). In addition, recommendations are given for prioritized kinetic and kinematic metrics to be investigated that measure recovery of movement quality of standing balance and walking, as well as for assessment protocols and preferred equipment to be used. CONCLUSIONS: The present recommendations of measures, metrics, technology, and protocols build on previous consensus meetings of the International Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Alliance to guide the research community to improve the validity and comparability between stroke recovery and rehabilitation studies as a prerequisite for building high-quality, standardized "big data" sets. Ultimately, these recommendations could lead to high-quality, participant-specific data sets to aid the progress toward precision medicine in stroke rehabilitation.

How should we measure physical activity after stroke? An international consensus.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is important for secondary stroke prevention. Currently, there is inconsistency of outcomes and tools used to measure physical activity following stroke. AIM: To establish internationally agreed recommendations to enable consistent measurement of post-stroke physical activity. METHODS: Stroke survivors and carers were surveyed online once regarding what is important in physical activity measurement. Three survey rounds with expert stroke researchers and clinicians were conducted using Keeney's Value-Focused Thinking Methodology. Survey 1 identified physical activity tools, outcomes, and measurement considerations which were ranked in Survey 2. Consensus recommendations on tools were then formulated by the consensus group based on survey responses. In Survey 3, participants reviewed ranked results and evidence gathered to determine their support for consensus recommendations. RESULTS: Twenty-five stroke survivors, 5 carers, 18 researchers, and 17 clinicians from 16 countries participated. Time in moderate-vigorous physical activity and step count were identified as the most important outcomes to measure. Key measurement considerations included the ability to measure across frequency, intensity, duration domains in real-world settings; user-friendliness, comfort, and ability to detect changes. Consensus recommendations included using the Actigraph, Actical, and Activ8 devices for physical activity intensity; ActivPAL for duration and Step Activity Monitor for frequency; and the IPAQ and PASE questionnaires. Survey 3 indicated 100% support for device and 96% for questionnaire recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: These consensus recommendations can guide selection of physical activity measurement tools and outcomes. Tool selection will depend on measurement purpose, user-knowledge, and resources. Comprehensive measurement requires the use of devices and questionnaires.

Evidence-based stroke rehabilitation: do priorities for practice change and feasibility of implementation vary across high income, upper and lower-middle income countries?

PURPOSE: The context of implementation plays an important role in the delivery of optimal treatments in stroke recovery and rehabilitation. Considering that stroke systems of care vary widely across the globe, the goal of the present paper is to compare healthcare providers' priority of key areas in translating stroke research to clinical practice among High Income Countries, Upper Middle- and Lower Middle-Income Countries (HICs, UMICs, LMICs). We also aimed to compare perceptions regarding the key areas' feasibility of implementation, and formulate recommendations specific to each socioeconomic region. METHODS: Data related to recommendations for knowledge translation in stroke, from a primary survey from the second Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable were segregated based on socioeconomic region. Frequency distribution was used to compare the key areas for practice change and examine the perceived feasibility of implementation of the same across HIC, UMIC and LMICs. RESULTS: A total of 632 responses from healthcare providers across 28 countries were received. Interdisciplinary care and access to services were high priorities across the three groups. Transitions in Care and Intensity of Practice were high priority areas in HICs, whereas Clinical Practice Guidelines were a high priority in LMICs. Interventions specific to clinical discipline, screening and assessment were among the most feasible areas in HICs, whereas Intensity of practice and Clinical Practice Guidelines were perceived as most feasible to implement in LMICs. CONCLUSION: We have identified healthcare providers' priorities for addressing international practice change across socioeconomic regions. By focusing on the most feasible key areas, we can aid the channeling of appropriate resources to bridge the disparities in stroke outcomes across HICs, UMICs and LMICs.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIt is pertinent to examine the differences in priorities of stroke rehabilitation professionals and the feasibility of implementing evidence-based practice across socioeconomic regions.There is an urgent necessity for the development of clinical practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation in Low-Middle Income Countries, taking into consideration the cultural, economic and geographical constraints.In upper-middle income countries, encouraging family support and timely screening and assessment for aphasia, cognition and depression appear to be the low hanging fruits to enhance quality of life after stroke.Innovative ways to increase intensity of practice and channelling of resources to improve transitions in care may prove to be the most beneficial in advancing stroke rehabilitation in high income countries.

Factors associated with paid employment 12 months after stroke in A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial (AVERT).

BACKGROUND: Returning to work is an important outcome for stroke survivors. OBJECTIVES: This sub-study of a randomised controlled trial aimed to provide characteristics of working-age stroke participants and identify factors associated with return to work at 12 months. METHODS: We used paid employment data collected as part of A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial (AVERT, n=2104), an international randomised controlled trial studying the effects of very early mobilisation after stroke at 56 acute stroke units across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Singapore. For the present analysis, data for trial participants < 65 years old were included if they were working at the time of stroke and had complete 12-month return-to-work data. The primary outcome was 12-month return to paid work. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association of multiple factors with return to work. RESULTS: In total, 376 AVERT participants met the inclusion criteria for this sub-study. By 12 months, 221 (59%) participants had returned to work at a median of 38 hr per week. Similar rates were found across geographic regions. On univariable analysis, the odds of returning to paid employment were increased with younger age (OR per year 0.95, 95%CI 0.92-0.97), no previous diabetes (0.4, 0.24-0.67), lower stroke severity (OR per National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale point 0.82, 0.78-0.86), less 3-month depressive traits (Irritability Depression Anxiety [IDA] scale) (OR per IDA point 0.87, 0.80-0.93), less 3-month disability (modified Rankin Scale), and prior full-time work (2.04, 1.23-3.38). On multivariable analysis, return to work remained associated with younger age (OR 0.94, 95%CI 0.91-0.98), lower stroke severity (0.92, 0.86-0.99), prior full-time work (2.33, 1.24-4.40), and less 3-month disability. CONCLUSIONS: Return to work at 12 months after stroke was associated with young age, acute stroke severity, 3-month disability and full-time employment before stroke. Greater understanding of this topic could help in developing programs to support successful resumption of work post-stroke.

Young Stroke Survivors' Preferred Methods of Meeting Their Unique Needs: Shaping Better Care.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how young stroke survivors want their unmet needs to be addressed, we undertook an international online survey of people living with stroke. METHODS: Participants self-selected to complete an online survey that included a questionnaire on demographics and stroke-related characteristics, the Young Stroke Needs Screening Tool, and a questionnaire on how they wanted their needs to be met. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-one responses were received (68% female respondents, mean age 45 years, interquartile range 36-51 years). Preferences for methods of meeting needs varied depending on the domain of need and participants' demographic and stroke-related characteristics. Face-to-face contact with a health care professional was a popular means of meeting needs, but methods outside of a traditional health care setting such as a succinct list of tips or peer support were widely acceptable and sometimes preferred. CONCLUSION: This work provides the impetus for developing alternative methods of meeting young stroke survivors' needs, many of which are not resource intensive or do not require an appointment with a health care professional.

Feasibility trial of metformin XR in people with pre-diabetes and stroke (MIPPS)-randomised open blinded endpoint controlled trial.

AIMS: Pre-diabetes is a common condition that affects about 16.4% of Australian adults. Hyperglycaemia is a strong risk factor for the development of stroke. Metformin XR is an approved medication to treat type 2 diabetes in Australia but not pre-diabetes. Additionally, whether it is tolerated following a stroke is unclear. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess the feasibility of Metformin XR in people with stroke and pre-diabetes. METHODS: In this PROBE design trial, people who had recent stroke (within 3 months) with pre-diabetes were randomized to either the active arm (n = 13) receiving usual care plus Metformin XR (500 mg daily increased to a total daily dose of 1500 mg) or the control group receiving only usual care (n = 13). At baseline & after four months of intervention, clinical and biomedical characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and medication data were recorded. At one month and 2.5 months into the study, compliance rateandside effects were determined. RESULTS: This trial showed that it is feasible to recruit, retain and monitor participants. However, the compliance rate was low. Adherence to metformin XR was 52% (IQR:42% to 61%) based on the remaining tablets in the container after 4 months of intervention. None of the reported side effects were deemed to be related to the study treatment and no significant differences were observed between the metformin XR and the control group. CONCLUSION: Treatment with Metformin XR in participants admitted with stroke and with pre-diabetes is feasible and safe. Strategies are needed to improve adherence in future trials.

Recovery of upper limb function is greatest early after stroke but does continue to improve during the chronic phase: a two-year, observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Investigate upper limb (UL) capacity and performance from <14-days to 24-months post stroke. DESIGN: Longitudinal study of participants with acute stroke, assessed ≤14-days, 6-weeks, 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-months post stroke. SETTING: Two acute stroke units. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Examination of UL capacity using Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment (combined arm and hand scores, 0-14), performance using Motor Activity Log (amount of movement and quality of movement, scored 0-5), and grip strength (kg) using Jamar dynamometer. Random effects regression models were performed to explore the change in outcomes at each time point. Routine clinical imaging was used to describe stroke location as cortical, subcortical or mixed. RESULTS: Thirty-four participants were enrolled: median age 67.7 years (IQR 60.7-76.2), NIHSS 11.5 (IQR 8.5-16), female n=10 (36%). The monthly rate of change for all measures was consistently greatest in the 6-weeks post baseline. On average, significant improvements were observed to 12-months in amount of use (median improvement 1.81, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.27) and strength (median improvement 8.29, 95% CI 5.90 to 10.67); while motor capacity (median improvement 4.70, 95% CI 3.8 to 5.6) and quality of movement (median improvement 1.83, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.3) improved to 18-months post stroke. Some individuals were still demonstrating gains at 24-months post stroke within each stroke location group. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that the greatest rate of improvement of UL capacity and performance occurs early post stroke. At the group level, improvements were evident at 12- to 18-months post stroke, but at the individual level improvements were observed at 24-months. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12612000123842.

Cerebral haemodynamics with head position changes post-ischaemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The effects of upright postures on the cerebral circulation early post-ischaemic stroke are not fully understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of head positioning on cerebral haemodynamics assessed by imaging methods post-ischaemic stroke. Of the 21 studies included (n = 529), 15 used transcranial Doppler. Others used near-infrared, diffuse correlation spectroscopy and nuclear medicine modalities. Most tested head positions between 0° and 45°. Seventeen studies reported changes in CBF parameters (increase at lying-flat or decrease at more upright) in the ischaemic hemisphere with position change. However, great variability was found and risk of bias was high in many studies. Pooled data of two studies ≤24 h (n = 28) showed a mean increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocity of 8.5 cm/s in the ischaemic middle cerebral artery (95%CI,-2.2-19.3) from 30° to 0°. The increase found ≤48 h (n = 50) was of 2.3 cm/s (95%CI,-4.6-9.2), while ≤7 days (n = 38) was of 8.4 cm/s (95%CI, 1.8-15). Few very early studies (≤2 days) tested head positions greater than 30° and were unable to provide information about the response of acute stroke patients to upright postures (sitting, standing). These postures are part of current clinical practice and knowledge on their effects on cerebral haemodynamics is required.

Fatal and non-fatal events within 14 days after early, intensive mobilization post stroke.

OBJECTIVE: This tertiary analysis from AVERT examined fatal and non-fatal Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) at 14 days. METHOD: AVERT was a prospective, parallel group, assessor blinded, randomized international clinical trial comparing mobility training commenced <24 hours post stroke, termed very early mobilization (VEM) to usual care (UC). Primary outcome was assessed at 3 months. Included: Patients with ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke within 24 hours of onset. Treatment with thrombolytics allowed. Excluded: Patients with severe premorbid disability and/or comorbidities. Interventions continued for 14 days or hospital discharge if less. The primary early safety outcome was fatal SAEs within 14 days. Secondary outcomes were non-fatal SAEs classified as neurologic, immobility-related, and other. Mortality influences were assessed using binary logistic regression adjusted for baseline stroke severity (NIHSS) and age. RESULTS: 2,104 participants were randomized to VEM (n = 1,054) or UC (n = 1,050) with a median age of 72 years (IQR 63-80) and NIHSS 7 (IQR 4-12). By 14 days, 48 had died in VEM, 32 in UC, age and stroke severity adjusted Odds Ratio of 1.76 (95% CI 1.06-2.92, p = 0.029). Stroke progression was more common in VEM. Exploratory subgroup analyses showed higher odds of death in intracerebral haemorrhage and >80 years subgroups, but there was no significant treatment by subgroup interaction. No difference in non-fatal SAEs found. CONCLUSION: While the overall case fatality at 14 days post-stroke was only 3.8%, mortality adjusted for age and stroke severity was increased with high dose, intensive training compared to usual care. Stroke progression was more common in VEM. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class I evidence that very early mobilization increases mortality at 14 days post stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12606000185561.

Prevalence of diabetes and its effects on stroke outcomes: A meta-analysis and literature review.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is an established risk factor for stroke and maybe associated with poorer outcomes after stroke. The aims of the present literature review were to determine: (i) the prevalence of diabetes in acute stroke patients through a meta-analysis; (ii) the association between diabetes and outcomes after ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke; and (iii) to review the value of glycated hemoglobin and admission glucose-based tests in predicting stroke outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE searches were carried out to find studies relating to diabetes and inpatient stroke populations published between January 2004 and April 2017. A meta-analysis of the prevalence of diabetes from included studies was undertaken. A narrative review on the associations of diabetes and different diagnostic methods on stroke outcomes was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 66 eligible articles met inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of 39 studies (n = 359,783) estimated the prevalence of diabetes to be 28% (95% confidence interval 26-31). The rate was higher in ischemic (33%, 95% confidence interval 28-38) compared with hemorrhagic stroke (26%, 95% confidence interval 19-33) inpatients. Most, but not all, studies found that acute hyperglycemia and diabetes were associated with poorer outcomes after ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes: including higher mortality, poorer neurological and functional outcomes, longer hospital stay, higher readmission rates, and stroke recurrence. Diagnostic methods for establishing diagnosis were heterogeneous between the reviewed studies. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of all stroke patients have diabetes. Uniform methods to screen for diabetes after stroke are required to identify individuals with diabetes to design interventions aimed at reducing poor outcomes in this high-risk population.

Setting the scene for the Second Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable.

The Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable (SRRR) meetings bring together an international group of preclinical and clinical researchers along with statisticians, methodologists, funders and consumers, working to accelerate the development of effective treatments for stroke recovery and to support best-evidence uptake in rehabilitation practice. The first meeting (2016) focused on four recommendation areas: translation of preclinical evidence into human discovery trials; recovery biomarkers to provide knowledge of therapeutic targets and prognosis in human stroke; intervention development, monitoring, and reporting standards; and standardized measurement in motor recovery trials. The impact of SRRR is growing, with uptake of recommendations emerging, and funders exploring ways to incorporate research targets and recommendations. At our second meeting (SRRR2, 2018), we worked on new priority areas: (1) cognitive impairment, (2) standardizing metrics for measuring quality of movement, (3) improving development of recovery trials, and (4) moving evidence-based treatments into practice. To accelerate progress towards breakthrough treatments, formation of an International Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Alliance is our next step, where working groups will take recommendations and build partnerships needed to achieve our goals.

Behavioral Mapping of Patient Activity to Explore the Built Environment During Rehabilitation.

AIM: To explore the use of a rehabilitation-focused behavioral mapping method to identify changes in patient physical activity, location, and social interaction following the relocation of a rehabilitation ward. BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation wards are unique healthcare environments where patient activity is encouraged to improve recovery. Little is known about the impact of building design on patient behavior within a rehabilitation setting. We examined this issue when a rehabilitation ward was relocated without altering other aspects of the healthcare service. METHOD: The setting was a publicly funded inpatient general rehabilitation ward with a separate therapy area. Before and after ward relocation, patient behavior (location, physical, and social activities) was observed at 10-min intervals between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Patients and staff performed their usual activities during data collection. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients participated in the old ward and 24 in the new ward, resulting in 1,150 and 1,200 observation time points, respectively. Patient location and behaviors were similar between wards ( p > .05). Participants were in bedrooms for more than half of the observations (67% old ward, 58% new ward), sitting down (62.8% old ward, 59.0% new ward), and alone (42.0% old ward, 38.0% new ward). Design features, such as separation of the therapy area and ward, may have impacted on patient behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The rehabilitation-focused behavioral mapping method provided a rich description of relevant patient behaviors, indicating that it is a feasible and useful method for exploring the impact of the built environment in rehabilitation settings.