Reducing risk behaviours after stroke: An overview of reviews interrogating primary study data using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle changes, in addition to preventive medications, optimise stroke secondary prevention. Evidence from systematic reviews support behaviour-change interventions post-stroke to address lifestyle-related risk. However, understanding of the theory-driven mediators that affect behaviour-change post-stroke is lacking. METHODS: Electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, Epistemonikos and Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews were searched to March 2023 for systematic reviews addressing behaviour-change after stroke. Primary studies from identified systematic reviews were interrogated for evidence supporting theoretically-grounded interventions. Data were synthesized in new meta-analyses examining behaviour-change domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and secondary prevention outcomes. RESULTS: From 71 identified SRs, 246 primary studies were screened. Only 19 trials (N = 2530 participants) were identified that employed theoretically-grounded interventions and measured associated mediators for behaviour-change. Identified mediators mapped to 5 of 14 possible TDF domains. Trial follow-up ranged between 1-12 months and no studies addressed primary outcomes of recurrent stroke or cardiovascular mortality and/or morbidity. Lifestyle interventions targeting mediators mapped to the TDF Knowledge domain may improve the likelihood of medication adherence (OR 6.08 [2.79, 13.26], I2 = 0%); physical activity participation (OR 2.97 [1.73, 5.12], I2 = 0%) and smoking cessation (OR 10.37 [3.22, 33.39], I2 = 20%) post-stroke, supported by low certainty evidence; Lifestyle interventions targeting mediators mapping to both TDF domains of Knowledge and Beliefs about Consequences may improve medication adherence post-stroke (SMD 0.36 [0.07, 0.64], I2 = 13%, very low certainty evidence); Lifestyle interventions targeting mediators mapped to Beliefs about Capabilities and Emotions domains may modulate low mood post-stroke (SMD -0.70 [-1.28, -0.12], I2 = 81%, low certainty evidence). CONCLUSION: Limited theory-based research and use of behaviour-change mediators exists within stroke secondary prevention trials. Knowledge, Beliefs about Consequences, and Emotions are the domains which positively influence risk-reducing behaviours post-stroke. Behaviour-change interventions should include these evidence-based constructs known to be effective. Future trials should address cardiovascular outcomes and ensure adequate follow-up time.

Perspectives and Experiences of Cardiac Rehabilitation after Stroke-A Qualitative Study.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after stroke has been proven to be a safe and feasible secondary prevention intervention. Limited qualitative data capture people's experiences and perceptions of attending CR following stroke, but with none addressing translational aspects when CR is delivered as routine clinical care. Using a phenomenological, qualitative approach, four semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 15 individuals (60% male) who had completed CR during their stroke care pathway. Our inductive thematic analysis identified five themes. The first centred on recognising stroke as a cardiovascular disease and the applicability of CR post-stroke. The second addressed how peer understanding, camaraderie, and medical supervision created a safe and supportive environment. The third identified how the programme-built confidence supported longer-term healthy lifestyle choices in physical activity, diet, and smoking. The penultimate theme addressed the period from hospital discharge to attending CR as a time of uncertainty where many participants experienced cognitive difficulties, mood disturbances, and mental fatigue without adequate support. Lastly, participants identified unmet needs in their care pathway that included a lack of information about their referral to CR, the programme content, and accessing local supports ahead of CR. Ongoing and unmet needs both during and after CR related to self-management of secondary prevention medications, neurological issues, post-stroke fatigue, and the lack of structured support following CR completion.

A Scoping Review of Non-Pharmacological, Non-Surgical Secondary Prevention Strategies in Ischaemic Stroke and TIA in National Stroke Guidelines and Clinical Audit Documents.

The Stroke Action Plan for Europe (2018-2030) calls for national-level secondary prevention plans that address lifestyle, in addition to prevention medications and surgical interventions. This scoping review examines national stroke care guideline and audit documents across WHO regions to identify non-pharmacological, non-surgical stroke secondary prevention recommendations and associated performance indicators. Using a snowballing methodology, 27 guideline documents met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen (59%) detailed, non-pharmacological, non-surgical stroke secondary prevention-addressing known, modifiable population attributable risk factors, of physical inactivity (N = 11), smoking (N = 11), unsafe alcohol consumption (N = 10), diet (N = 8), weight (N = 5), stress (N = 4) and depression (N = 2). Strategies recommended to address these risk factors were: assessment of stroke risk/risk factors (N = 4); provision of advice and information on reducing lifestyle related risk (N = 16); education and counselling for lifestyle behaviour change (N = 8) and onward referral for specialist management of risk (N = 4). Of the nine stroke audits/registries identified, only three (33%) included non-pharmacological, non-surgical quality indicators of documented provision of advice or information on the following: general lifestyle (N = 2); smoking cessation for current smokers (N = 2); reduction in alcohol consumption, where relevant (N = 1), exercise participation (N = 1) and diet (N = 1). Preventive quality indicators addressing the management of weight, stress or depression were absent. This review highlights current gaps in optimal stroke secondary prevention recommendations and their implementation.

Fit for life after cancer: does exercise timing matter?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of a single exercise session per week for 6 weeks on quality of life (QoL), fatigue and exercise participation in male and female cancer survivors with follow-up at 6 months. A secondary aim was to identify if the timing of exercise delivery determined its effect. METHODS: An exploratory prospective cohort study design was implemented. Twenty-five patients undergoing or who had completed cancer treatment (11 active treatment; 14 completed treatment) undertook exercise and educational sessions (Fit for Life) 1×/week. The Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL C-30 (EORTC QLQ C-30) and the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) were used to assess fatigue, QoL and exercise levels, respectively. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention, and after 6 months. RESULTS: There was a significant group × time interaction for the GLTEQ at 6 months post in favour of exercising during active treatment (p=0.01). No other group × time interactions were observed across the EORTC QLQ C-30 or BFI. There was a significant main effect for time for EORTC QLQ C-30 Global with a significant increase observed between pre and 6 months post. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise 1×/week delivered during treatment may impact on long-term exercise participation in adult cancer survivors. This lower volume programme may improve QoL, but has minimal effect on fatigue suggesting an insufficient exercise dosage to impact this variable. This study generates interesting proof of concept results and may be helpful in the development of larger randomised controlled trials.

Predictors of Adherence to Lifestyle Recommendations in Stroke Secondary Prevention.

The risk of recurrent vascular events is high following ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Unmanaged modifiable risk factors present opportunities for enhanced secondary prevention. This cross-sectional study (n = 142 individuals post-ischaemic stroke/TIA; mean age 63 years, 70% male) describes adherence rates with risk-reducing behaviours and logistical regression models of behaviour adherence. Predictor variables used in the models com-prised age, sex, stroke/TIA status, aetiology (TOAST), modified Rankin Scale, cardiovascular fit-ness (VO2peak) measured as peak oxygen uptake during incremental exercise (L/min) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS). Of the study participants, 84% abstained from smoking; 54% consumed ≥ 5 portions of fruit and vegetables/day; 31% engaged in 30 min moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at least 3 times/week and 18% were adherent to all three behaviours. VO2peak was the only variable predictive of adherence to all three health behaviours (aOR 12.1; p = 0.01) and to MVPA participation (aOR 7.5; p = 0.01). Increased age (aOR 1.1; p = 0.03) and lower HADS scores (aOR 0.9; p = 0.02) were predictive of smoking abstinence. Men were less likely to consume fruit and vegetables (aOR 0.36; p = 0.04). Targeted secondary prevention interventions after stroke should address cardiovascular fitness training for MVPA and combined health behaviours; management of psychological distress in persistent smokers and consider environmental and social factors in dietary interventions, notably in men.

Design considerations for the development of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) exercise in cancer rehabilitation.

AIM: The aim of this narrative review is to explore design considerations for effective neuromuscular electrical stimulation exercise prescription in cancer rehabilitation, with simultaneous consideration for fundamental principles of exercise training and the current state of the art in neuromuscular electrical stimulation technologies and application methodologies. METHOD: Narrative review. RESULTS: First, we consider the key neuromuscular electrical stimulation exercise design considerations, with a focus on training objectives and individual training requirements and constraints for individuals with cancer. Here, we contend that concurrent, low and high frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation exercise, individually prescribed and progressed may be optimal for enhancing physical function. Second, we review the appropriate literature to identify the most appropriate stimulation parameters (pulse frequency, intensity, duration and duty cycle) to deliver effective neuromuscular electrical stimulation in cancer rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: We propose an informed and innovative neuromuscular electrical stimulation exercise intervention design and provide practical information for clinicians and practitioners who may work with and implement neuromuscular electrical stimulation exercise in cancer.Implications for rehabilitationNeuromuscular electrical stimulation is an emerging technology in cancer rehabilitation to help provide an aerobic and muscle strengthening exercise stimulus.Neuromuscular electrical stimulation may help improve aerobic exercise capacity, muscle strength and augment quality of life.Current prescription in cancer lacks adherence to the fundamental principles of exercise training, which may negatively affect adherence.

Functional, physiological and subjective responses to concurrent neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) exercise in adult cancer survivors: a controlled prospective study.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the functional, physiological and subjective responses to NMES exercise in cancer patients. Participants with a cancer diagnosis, currently undergoing treatment, and an had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (ECOG) of 1 and 2 were recommended to participate by their oncologist. Following a 2-week, no-NMES control period, each participant was asked to undertake a concurrent NMES exercise intervention over a 4-week period. Functional muscle strength [30 s sit-to-stand (30STS)], mobility [timed up and go (TUG)], exercise capacity [6-min walk test (6MWT)] and health related quality of life (HR-QoL) were assessed at baseline 1 (BL1), 2-week post control (BL2) and post 4-week NMES exercise intervention (POST). Physiological and subjective responses to LF-NMES were assessed during a 10-stage incremental session, recorded at BL2 and POST. Fourteen participants [mean age: 62 years (10)] completed the intervention. No adverse events were reported. 30STS (+ 2.4 reps, p = .007), and 6MWT (+ 44.3 m, p = .028) significantly improved after the intervention. No changes in TUG or HR-QoL were observed at POST. Concurrent NMES exercise may be an effective exercise intervention for augmenting physical function in participants with cancer and moderate and poor functional status. Implications for cancer survivors: By allowing participants to achieve therapeutic levels of exercise, concurrent NMES may be an effective supportive intervention in cancer rehabilitation.

Self-directed home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients with advanced cancer and poor performance status: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Concurrent neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) involving sub-tetanic low frequency and tetanic high frequency which targets aerobic and muscular fitness is a potential alternative to conventional exercise in cancer rehabilitation. However, its safety and feasibility in patients with advanced cancer are unknown. The aim of this feasibility study was to determine safety and feasibility and evaluate changes in functional and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) outcomes in individuals with advanced cancer and poor performance status after concurrent NMES. These results should help inform the design of future studies. METHODS: Participants with advanced cancer and poor performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale ≥ 2) (n = 18) were recruited. The intervention included a novel NMES intervention implemented over a 4-week period. Functional exercise capacity, lower limb muscle endurance and HR-QoL were measured by 6-min walk test (6MWT), 30-s sit-to-stand (30STS) and European Organization for Research and Treatment quality of life questionnaire core-30 (EORTC QLQ C30) pre and post-intervention. Participants unable to complete the 6-min walk test completed the timed up and go test. Participant experience and the impact of the intervention on daily life were investigated through semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Ten of 18 participants completed the intervention. No adverse events were reported. Seven of 8 participants improved 6MWT performance (2 of 2 improved timed up and go), 8 of 10 participants improved 30STS and 8 of 10 participants improved Global quality of life. Perceived benefits included improved mobility and muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation appears safe and feasible in advanced cancer and may improve physical and HR-QoL outcomes. Future prospective trials are warranted to confirm these findings prior to clinical implementation in an advanced cancer setting.

The efficacy and prescription of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in adult cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to (1) summarise and critically evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on indices of health and quality of life (QoL) in adult cancer survivors, (2) assess the safety of NMES as a rehabilitation method in this population, and (3) identify commonly used NMES treatment parameters and describe treatment progression. METHODS: A systematic search of four electronic databases targeted studies evaluating the effects of NMES on physical function, aerobic fitness, muscle strength, body composition, and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in adult cancer survivors, published through March 2018. Two reviewers independently reviewed and appraised the risk of bias of each study. RESULTS: Nine studies were included. Meta-analyses found that the overall pooled effect favoured NMES for improving muscle strength, but the standardised mean difference was not significant (0.36; 95% CI - 0.25, 0.96). Further meta-analyses indicated that NMES significantly improved HR-QoL (0.36; 95% CI 0.10, 0.62), with notable gains identified under the subcategories QoL Function (0.87; 95% CI 0.32, 1.42). Current NMES prescription is not standardised and NMES is prescribed to target secondary complications of treatment. Risk of bias was high for most studies. CONCLUSIONS: NMES use in adult cancer survivors is an emerging field and current literature is limited by studies of poor quality and a lack of adequately powered RCTs. Existing evidence suggests that NMES is safe and may be more effective than usual care for improving HR-QoL. Prescription and progression should be tailored for the individual based on functional deficits.

Barriers to healthy-lifestyle participation in stroke: consumer participation in secondary prevention design.

The aim of the study was to explore community-dwelling stroke patients' perceived barriers to healthy-lifestyle participation for secondary disease prevention, as well as their preferred means for risk-reduction information dissemination and motivators to participation in healthy-lifestyle interventions. Four focus groups (5-6 stroke survivors per group) were defined from community support groups. Key questions addressed barriers to healthy-lifestyle adoption, preferred methods for receiving information and factors that would engage participants in a risk-reduction programme. Groups were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed for thematic content using a framework approach. Twenty-two participants, 12 men, 10 women, mean age 71.4 (53-87) years, were included in the study. Three overarching themes emerged as barriers to healthy-lifestyle participation: physical, mental and environmental. Exercise participation difficulties spread across all three themes; healthy eating and smoking cessation concentrated in environmental and mental dimensions. Talks (discussions) were noted as participants' preferred method of information provision. Risk-reduction programmes considered attractive were stroke specific, convenient and delivered by healthcare professionals and involved both social and exercise components. Many stroke patients appear unable to adopt healthy-lifestyle changes through advice alone because of physical, mental and environmental barriers. Risk-reduction programmes including interactive education should be specifically tailored to address barriers currently experienced and extend beyond the stroke survivor to others in their environment who influence lifestyle choices.

Cardiac rehabilitation adapted to transient ischaemic attack and stroke (CRAFTS): a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Coronary Heart Disease and Cerebrovascular Disease share many predisposing, modifiable risk factors (hypertension, abnormal blood lipids and lipoproteins, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, obesity and diabetes mellitus). Lifestyle interventions and pharmacological therapy are recognised as the cornerstones of secondary prevention. Cochrane review has proven the benefits of programmes incorporating exercise and lifestyle counselling in the cardiac disease population. A Cochrane review highlighted as priority, the need to establish feasibility and efficacy of exercise based interventions for Cerebrovascular Disease. METHODS: A single blind randomised controlled trial is proposed to examine a primary care cardiac rehabilitation programme for adults post transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke in effecting a positive change in the primary outcome measures of cardiac risk scores derived from Blood Pressure, lipid profile, smoking and diabetic status and lifestyle factors of habitual smoking, exercise and healthy eating participation. Secondary outcomes of interest include health related quality of life as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale and WONCA COOP Functional Health Status charts and cardiovascular fitness as measured by a sub-maximal fitness test.A total of 144 patients, over 18 years of age with confirmed diagnosis of ischaemic stroke or TIA, will be recruited from Dublin community stroke services and two tertiary T.I.A clinics. Exclusion criteria will include oxygen dependence, unstable cardiac conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, major medical conditions, claudication, febrile illness, pregnancy or cognitive impairment. Participants will be block-statified, randomly allocated to one of two groups using a pre-prepared computer generated randomisation schedule. Both groups will receive a two hour education class on risk reduction post stroke. The intervention group will receive a 10 week programme of supervised aerobic exercises (twice weekly) and individually tailored brief intervention lifestyle counselling. Both groups will be tested on week one and week ten of the programme. Follow-up at 1 year will assess longer term benefits. Analysis will test for significant changes in the key variables indicated. DISCUSSION: Application of the Cardiac Rehabilitation paradigm to patients with ischaemic stroke or TIA has not been explored despite the obvious overlap in aetiology. It is hoped the anticipated improvement in vascular risk factors and fitness resulting from such a programme will enhance health and social gain in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISCTRN90272638.