Program of Rehabilitative Exercise and Education to Avert Vascular Events After Non-Disabling Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (PREVENT Trial): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-disabling stroke (NDS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) herald the possibility of future, more debilitating vascular events. Evidence is conflicting about potency of exercise and education in reducing risk factors for second stroke. METHODS: Three-site, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 184 participants <3 months of NDS or TIA (mean age, 65 years; 66% male) randomized to usual care (UC) or UC + 12-week program of exercise and education (PREVENT). Primary (resting systolic blood pressure) and secondary outcomes (diastolic blood pressure [DBPrest], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], total cholesterol [TC], TC/HDL, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and body mass index) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 6- and 12-month follow-up. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) was measured at baseline, post-intervention, 12-month assessments. RESULTS: Significant between-group differences at post-intervention favored PREVENT group over UC: DBPrest (mean difference [MD]: -3.2 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -6.3, -.2, P = .04) and LDL-C (MD: -.31 mmol/L, 95% CI: -.42, -.20, P = .02). Trends of improvement in PREVENT group were noted in several variables between baseline and 6-month follow-up but not sustained at 12-month follow-up. Of note, VO2 peak did not change over time in either group. CONCLUSION: Impact of PREVENT on vascular risk factor reduction was more modest than anticipated, possibly because several outcome variables approximated normative values at baseline and training intensity may have been sub-optimal. Further investigation is warranted to determine when exercise and education programs are viable adjuncts to pharmaceutical management for reduction of risk factors for second stroke.Clinical Trial Registration-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: #NCT00885456.

Effects of Different High-Intensity Interval Training Regimens on Endurance and Neuroplasticity After Cerebral Ischemia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The objective is to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with long versus short intervals on endurance and motor performance. Their influence on neuroplasticity markers is assessed in the ipsilesional and contralesional cortex and hippocampus since their remodeling could improve functional recovery. METHODS: Rats performed work-matched HIIT4 (long intervals: 4 minutes) or HIIT1 (short intervals: 1 minute) on treadmill for 2 weeks following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Forelimb grip strength evaluated motor function while incremental exercise tests measured the endurance performance. Key neuroplasticity markers were assessed by Western blot. RESULTS: Both regimens were effective in enhancing both the speed associated with the lactate threshold and maximal speed at D8 and D15. Neuroplasticity markers were upregulated in the contralesional hemisphere after training contrary to the ipsilesional side. Grip strength completely recovered but is faster with HIIT4. CONCLUSIONS: HIIT with short and long intervals induced early aerobic fitness and grip strength improvements. Our findings revealed that neuroplasticity markers were upregulated in the contralesional cortex and hippocampus to promote functional recovery.

Increasing Blood Pressure Variability Predicts Poor Functional Outcome Following Acute Stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing blood pressure variability has been reported following acute stroke, but there is uncertainty about how best to measure it and about the impact on prognosis following acute ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack. METHODS: Enhanced casual blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were completed at baseline (≤48 h post symptom onset). Blood pressure variability was defined by standard deviation and coefficient of variation of systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure. Modified Rankin scale score ≥3 described poor functional outcome assessed at 1- and 12-months post-stroke. Multivariable logistic regression models incorporating blood pressure variability measurement and other factors were performed, and odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals reported. RESULTS: 232 patients were recruited; 45 were dependent at 1-month, and 37 at 12-months. Dependent patients were more likely to be older, with a higher burden of pre-morbid conditions, and with increased blood pressure variability. Enhanced casual standard deviations of diastolic blood pressure [1.19 (1.02 to 1.39)] and mean arterial pressure [1.20 (1.00 to 1.43)] predicted dependency at 1-month. Predictors of 12-month dependency included: enhanced casual standard deviation of mean arterial pressure [1.21 (1.0-1.46)]; 24 h ambulatory monitor standard deviations of diastolic blood pressure [2.30 (1.08-4.90)] and mean arterial pressure [1.72 (1.09-2.72)], and the coefficient of variation of mean arterial pressure [1.76 (1.05-2.94)]; day-time ambulatory monitor coefficient of variation of systolic blood pressure [1.44 (1.02-2.03)] and mean arterial pressure [1.46 (1.02-2.08)]; and night-time ambulatory standard deviation of diastolic blood pressure [1.65 (1.03 -2.63)], and the coefficient of variation of mean arterial pressure and [1.38 (1.00- 1.90)] and pulse pressure [1.29 (1.00-1.65)]. CONCLUSION: Increasing blood pressure variability is independently and modestly associated with poor functional outcome at 1- and 12-months following acute stroke.

Effects on walking performance and lower body strength by short message service guided training after stroke or transient ischemic attack (The STROKEWALK Study): a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whetherdaily mobile-phone delivered messages with training instructions during three months increase physical activity and overall mobility in patients soon after stroke or transient ischemic attack. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial with intention-to-treat analyses. SETTING: University hospital. Data collection from November 2016 until December2018. SUBJECTS: Seventy-nine patients (mean (SD) age 63.9 (10.4) years, 29 were women) were allocated to either intervention (n = 40) or control group (n = 39). Participants had to be independent (modified Ranking Scale ⩽2) and able to perform the six-minute walking test at discharge from the hospital. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group received standard care and daily mobile phone instructional text messages to perform regular outdoor walking and functional leg exercises. The control group received standard care; that is, primary care follow-up. MAIN MEASURES: Walking performance by six-minute walking test (m), lower body strength by five times chair-stand test (s), the short physical performance battery (0-12 points) and 10-metres walk test (m/s) were assessed at baseline and after three months. RESULTS: The estimated median difference in the six-minute walking test was in favour of the intervention group by 30 metres (95% CI, 55 to 1; effect size 0.64; P = 0.037) and in the chair-stand test by 0.88 seconds (95% CI, 0.02 to 1.72; effect size 0.64; P = 0.034). There were no differences between groups on the short physical performance battery or in 10-metres walking time. CONCLUSIONS: Three months of daily mobile phone text messages with guided training instructions improved composite mobility measures; that is, walking performanceand lower body strength. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02902367.

Community care coordination for stroke survivors: results of a complex intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient follow-up care for stroke survivors is often inadequate and mostly self-organized by the patients themselves. In the German health care system, there are no standard care programs for patients after they are discharged from the hospital to support them with their multifaceted and heterogeneous health care needs. The objective of this complex intervention study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a post-stroke care coordination program in comparison to standard care in the first year after a stroke. METHODS: Patients aged 55 and older who had survived a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA) within the last 6 months before enrollment were included. Participants received care coordination either by telephone or face-to-face for up to 1 year. Patients' health insurance claims data were used to measure outcomes. The control group consisted of stroke survivors receiving standard care and was constructed by exact matching based on six criteria. Outcome measures were health services utilization, rate of recurrent events, readmissions and accompanying costs, and mortality. Outcomes were tested using different multiple models. RESULTS: In total, N = 361 patients were included in the analyses. Intervention participants had seen an outpatient neurologist more often (OR = 4.75; 95% CI: 2.71-8.31) and were readmitted to a hospital less frequently (IRR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.29-0.61), resulting in lower hospital costs (IQR = €0-1910 in the intervention group, IQR = €0-4375 in the control group). There were no substantial group differences in the rate of recurrent events and mortality. CONCLUSION: This study showed the beneficial potential of care coordination for a vulnerable patient population: the utilization rate of important health services was increased, and the rate of hospital readmissions decreased as a result. Future research should focus on the risk of recurrent strokes and the long-term effects of improved care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00017526 on DRKS - German Clinical Trials Register (retrospectively registered: 21 June 2019).

Results of a Pilot Trial of a Lifestyle Intervention for Stroke Survivors: Healthy Eating and Lifestyle after Stroke.

OBJECTIVES: Although healthy lifestyle practices mitigate recurrent stroke risk and mortality, few stroke survivors adhere to them, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. We developed and pilot tested a occupational therapy-based lifestyle management intervention, Healthy Eating And Lifestyle after Stroke (HEALS), to improve stroke survivors' self-management skills relating to diet and physical activity and evaluated it in a diverse safety-net population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred English- or Spanish-speaking participants with stroke or transient ischemic attack were randomized to a 6-week occupational therapist-led group lifestyle intervention vs. usual care. Each of the six 2-h group sessions included didactic presentations on diet and physical activity, peer exchange, personal exploration with goal setting, and direct experience through participation in a relevant activity. Primary outcomes at 6 months were change in body mass index, fruit/vegetable intake, and physical activity. Secondary outcomes included change in waist circumference, smoking, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, total cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, quality of care, and perceptions of care. Effect sizes were determined in preparation for a larger randomized controlled trial powered to detect a difference in primary outcomes. A nested formative evaluation assessed facilitators and barriers to implementation, acceptance, and intervention adherence. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in primary or secondary outcomes at 6 months. Effect sizes for all outcomes were small (< 0.2). Focus group participants recommended extending the intervention program duration with more sessions, additional information on stroke and vascular risk factors, an interdisciplinary approach, additional family involvement, and incentives. Providers recommended longer program duration, more training, fidelity checks to ensure standardized program delivery, and additional incentives for participants. CONCLUSIONS: The HEALS intervention was feasible in a safety-net setting, but effect sizes were small. A longer-duration intervention, with intervener fidelity checks may be warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01550822.

Differential Effects of Time to Initiation of Therapy on Disability and Quality of Life in Patients With Mild and Moderate to Severe Ischemic Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of time to acute therapy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and disability after ischemic stroke. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Comprehensive stroke care center in a large metropolitan city. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=553; mean age, 67 y; 51.9% male; 64.4% white; 88.8% ischemic stroke) with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) enrolled in a longitudinal observational study between August 2012 to January 2014 who received rehabilitation services. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Disability status was assessed with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI). HRQoL was assessed using the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders measures of executive function, general cognitive concerns, upper extremity dexterity, and lower extremity mobility. Time to therapy consult and treatment were defined as the number of days from hospital admission to initial consult by a therapist and number of days from hospital admission to initial treatment, respectively. RESULTS: Among the participants, the median number of days from hospital admission to acute therapy consult was 2 days (interquartile range, 1-3d). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models indicated that for those with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score<5, longer time to therapy consult was associated with worse BI scores (BI=100; odds ratio [OR], 0.818; P=.008), executive function T scores (b=-0.865; P=.001), and general cognitive concerns T scores (b=-0.609; P=.009) at 1-month in adjusted analyses. In those with NIHSS score≥5, longer time to therapy treatment led to increased disability (ie, mRS≥ 2; OR, 1.15; P=.039) and lower extremity mobility T scores (b=-0.591; P=.046) at 1 month in adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Longer time to initiation of acute therapy has differential effects on poststroke disability and HRQoL up to 1-month after ischemic stroke and TIA. The effect of acute therapy consult is more notable for those with mild deficits, while the effect of acute therapy treatment is more notable for those with moderate to severe deficits. Minimizing time to therapy consults and treatments in the acute hospital period might improve outcomes after ischemic stroke and TIA.

Use of a Discharge Educational Strategy Versus Standard Discharge Care on Reduction of Vascular Risk in Patients with Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: The burden of ischemic stroke is disproportionally distributed between ethnic and racial subgroups in the USA, minority populations with lower socioeconomic status being at higher risk. These discrepancies are mirrored in susceptibility, primary care, and post-discharge procedures. Post-discharge strategies are of particular importance as their primary goal is to prevent recurrent stroke, which makes up about 25% of stroke cases per year in US. As disadvantaged minorities have faster growing populations, recurrent stroke poses a significant challenge not only for caretakers but also for the health care system as the whole. A number of educational strategies were employed to inform the general public of major symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures for recurrent stroke. However, over affected subgroups did not prove responsive to such measures as these did not conform to their cultural and sociological specificities. RECENT FINDINGS: The Discharge Educational Strategies for Reduction of Vascular Events Intervention (DESERVE) is a randomized control trial with a one year follow up, set out to investigate the possibility that culturally tailored, community-centered post-discharge strategies would improve compliance to therapy and prevention against secondary stroke. The trial targeted African Americans, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic whites, adapting discharge strategies for each individual group. DESERVE accomplished a significant reduction in blood pressure in the Hispanic intervention group by 9.9 mm Hg compared with usual care. The remaining two groups were not susceptible to these measures. DESERVE holds promise for culturally tailored interventions in the future in a battle against stroke and other chronic diseases.

Impact of a Pharmacist-Driven Poststroke Transitions of Care Clinic on 30 and 90-Day Hospital Readmission Rates.

BACKGROUND: Stroke impacts nearly 800,000 people annually and the risk of recurrent stroke and hospital readmission is increased early following the initial event. Due to the increase in morbidity and mortality associated with secondary events, a pharmacist-driven poststroke transitions of care clinic was created at Methodist University Hospital to provide risk factor modification in an effort to decrease risk of recurrence and hospital readmissions. METHODS: A retrospective matched-cohort study was conducted between 9/1/2017 and 2/28/2019. Adult patients with a primary diagnosis of stroke, discharged to home, and attended a poststroke transitions of care clinic visit were included. Patients were matched on the basis of age ±3 years, race, gender, and type of stroke to those who did not receive pharmacist intervention during the same time period. The primary endpoint was 30-day hospital readmissions. Secondary endpoints included 90-day readmissions, 30 and 90-day emergency department visits, and recurrent stroke rates. Type and quantity of pharmacist interventions was also assessed. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-eight patients were included in the analysis. Baseline differences existed between the groups in the following: history of transient ischemic attack, stroke severity score, and insurance status. No significant difference was found in 30-day readmissions. There was a significant difference found in 90-day readmissions (5.3% versus 21.3%, P = .001). There were no significant differences in emergency department utilization at 30 or 90 days or stroke recurrence rates. Pharmacists made a mean of 3.5 interventions made during each visit. CONCLUSIONS: Although the primary goal to reduce 30-day readmission was not met, a pharmacist-driven poststroke transitions of care clinic significantly decreased 90-day hospital readmission rates.

Aerobic Exercise Recommendations to Optimize Best Practices in Care After Stroke: AEROBICS 2019 Update.

Most stroke survivors have very low levels of cardiovascular fitness, which limits mobility and leads to further physical deconditioning, increased sedentary behavior, and heightened risk of recurrent stroke. Although clinical guidelines recommend that aerobic exercise be a part of routine stroke rehabilitation, clinical uptake has been suboptimal. In 2013, an international group of stroke rehabilitation experts developed a user-friendly set of recommendations to guide screening and prescription-the Aerobic Exercise Recommendations to Optimize Best Practices in Care after Stroke (AEROBICS 2013). The objective of this project was to update AEROBICS 2013 using the highest quality of evidence currently available. The first step was to conduct a comprehensive review of literature from 2012 to 2018 related to aerobic exercise poststroke. A working group of the original consensus panel members drafted revisions based on synthesis. An iterative process was used to achieve agreement among all panel members. Final revisions included: (1) addition of 115 new references to replace or augment those in the original AEROBICS document, (2) rewording of the original recommendations and supporting material, and (3) addition of 2 new recommendations regarding prescription. The quality of evidence from which these recommendations were derived ranged from low to high. The AEROBICS 2019 Update should make it easier for clinicians to screen for, and prescribe, aerobic exercise in stroke rehabilitation. Clinical implementation will not only help to narrow the gap between evidence and practice but also reduce current variability and uncertainty regarding the role of aerobic exercise in recovery after stroke.

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Are People With Stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack Being Included? A Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) may be an effective secondary prevention program for people with stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). The aims of this study were to determine whether people with stroke or TIA were attending CR in Australia and if there were any barriers to attendance. METHODS: An invitation to participate in an online survey was distributed between January and April 2018, via email, to 411 phase 2 CR coordinators located across Australia. These coordinators were identified through a publicly available directory. The survey contained questions on the demographics of CR programs and attendance of people with stroke or TIA. A Likert scale was used to investigate perceived barriers to CR for people with stroke or TIA. Descriptive statistics were completed for all survey responses except those from open text questions, which were analysed via an inductive qualitative approach. RESULTS: In total, 149 CR coordinators responded who managed a total of 154 programs. The programs were primarily located in regional (40%) or metropolitan (31%) areas. Nearly 50% of programs were based in a public hospital-based gym/outpatient centre. Over 90% (n = 97/104) of coordinators reported that people with a primary diagnosis of stroke or TIA accounted for less than 2% of their patient population. Despite this, 52% of coordinators thought CR was an appropriate form of secondary prevention for people with stroke or TIA. The largest perceived barriers to attendance were safety (79%, n = 80/101), limited staff to patient ratio (76%, n = 77/101), integration difficulties (68%. n = 69/101) and a lack of referrals (66%, n = 67/101). CONCLUSION: Few people with a primary diagnosis of stroke or TIA attend CR in Australia, despite over half of CR coordinators believing that CR is appropriate for this group. Cardiac rehabilitation may be particularly suitable for people with mild-stroke or TIA. However, further research is required.

Predictors of quality of life 1 year after minor stroke or TIA: a prospective single-centre cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: In patients after a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke, dysfunction is often underestimated by clinical measures due to invisible symptoms, including cognitive and emotional problems. Many of these patients need stroke care programme, but others do not. In this study, we aim to identify potential predictors of quality of life (QoL) in patients with TIA or minor stroke 1 year poststroke to be able to select which of these patients will need aftercare. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Single-centre hospital in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: 120 patients, diagnosed with TIA or minor stroke and discharged without rehabilitation treatment, completed the study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: QoL (RAND-36), anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale), the degree of disability or functional dependence after stroke (modified Rankin Scale (mRS)) and symptoms of anxiety and depression specific to stroke (SSADQ) were assessed at baseline (2-6 weeks poststroke) and compared with follow-up at 1 year poststroke. RESULTS: Depression (B=-1.35, p<0.001) and anxiety (B=-0.57, p=0.041) at baseline predicted a worse mental component of QoL after 1 year. Depression (B=-1.100, p<0.001) at baseline, but also age (B=-0.261, p=0.002) and female sex (B=4.101, p=0.034) predicted a worse physical component of QoL after 1 year. CONCLUSION: With the identification of these predictors, we might be able to select more efficiently and timely the patients with TIA or minor stroke who need stroke aftercare.

Rehabilitation of patients after transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke: pilot feasibility randomised trial of a home-based prevention programme.

BACKGROUND: Although the importance of secondary prevention after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke is recognised, research is sparse regarding novel, effective ways in which to intervene in a primary care context. AIM: To pilot a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a novel home-based prevention programme (The Healthy Brain Rehabilitation Manual) for patients with TIA or 'minor' stroke. DESIGN AND SETTING: Pilot RCT, home-based, undertaken in Northern Ireland between May 2017 and March 2018. METHOD: Patients within 4 weeks of a first TIA or 'minor' stroke received study information from clinicians in four hospitals. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: standard care (control group) (n = 12); standard care with manual and GP follow-up (n = 14); or standard care with manual and stroke nurse follow-up (n = 14). Patients in all groups received telephone follow-up at 1, 4, and 9 weeks. Eligibility, recruitment, and retention were assessed; stroke/cardiovascular risk factors measured at baseline and 12 weeks; and participants' views were elicited about the study via focus groups. RESULTS: Over a 32-week period, 28.2% of clinic attendees (125/443) were eligible; 35.2% of whom (44/125) consented to research contact; 90.9% of these patients (40/44) participated, of whom 97.5% (39/40) completed the study. After 12 weeks, stroke risk factors [cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure and measures of physical activity] improved in both intervention groups. The research methods and the programme were acceptable to patients and health professionals, who commented that the programme 'filled a gap' in current post-TIA management. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that implementation of this novel cardiac rehabilitation programme, and of a trial to evaluate its effectiveness, is feasible, with potential for clinically important benefits and improved secondary prevention after TIA or 'minor' stroke.

Development of a Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Walking in Patients with Mild Ischemic Stroke.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a self-efficacy questionnaire, which particularly focuses on walking in patients with mild ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. METHODS: We enrolled patients with acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack who scored 0-2 on the modified Rankin Scale. The process of development of questionnaire on self-efficacy for walking with 7 items (SEW-7) was composed of 3 steps: (1) item generation; (2) item reduction; and (3) testing the final version. The measurement properties were assessed according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. RESULTS: A total of 168 patients (mean age 69.4 ± 10.1 years) were enrolled for testing the questionnaire on SEW-7. The total score of the SEW-7 ranged from 7 to 35 points. Internal consistency was acceptable with the Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .93. Test-retest reliability was good with intraclass correlation coefficient of .83 (95% confidence interval: .67-.91). The smallest detectable changes at individual and group levels were 8.0 and 1.5, respectively. The results of principal component analysis showed a single factor explaining 71.8% of the total variance. The SEW-7 questionnaire showed moderate to strong correlation with physical activity parameters (step counts: r = .596, P < .001; physical activity-related energy expenditure: r = .615, P < .001; low-intensity physical activity: r = .449, P < .001; moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity: r = .581, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: We propose a simple self-report questionnaire for walking, with 7 items. The SEW-7 has adequate measurement properties and may serve as a time-saving tool for promoting physical activity in mild ischemic stroke patients.

Accidente isquémico transitorio medular como presentación de aneurisma disecante de aorta. Descripción de caso y revisión de la literatura / Dissecting aortic aneurysm presenting as transient spinal cord ischaemia: A case report and literature review

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Rehabilitation Reduced Readmission and Mortality Risks in Patients With Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: A Population-based Study.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether rehabilitation has an impact on reducing the long-term risk of mortality or readmission following stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between the dosage and continuation of rehabilitation and the risk of outcome events (OEs) after stroke or TIA. RESEARCH DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance database. SUBJECTS: In total, 4594 patients admitted with first-ever acute stroke or TIA were followed-up for 32 months. MEASURES: The occurrence of 3 OEs: (1) vascular readmissions/all-cause mortality [vascular event (VE)], (2) all-cause readmissions/mortality (OE1), and (3) all-cause mortality (OE2), in model 1: none, low-intensity, and high-intensity rehabilitation; and model 2: inpatient plus/or outpatient rehabilitation. RESULTS: Comparing with patients without rehabilitation, in model 1, patients receiving low-intensity rehabilitation had a lower risk of VE [Hazard ratio (HR), 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68-0.87] and OE1 (HR, 0.77; CI, 0.71-0.84), but not OE2 (HR, 0.91; CI, 0.77-1.07). Patients receiving high-intensity rehabilitation had lower risks of all VE (HR, 0.68; CI, 0.58-0.79), OE1 (HR, 0.79; CI, 0.71-0.88), and OE2 (HR, 0.56; CI, 0.44-0.71). In model 2, patients receiving inpatient plus outpatient rehabilitation had a lowest risk of VE (HR, 0.55; CI, 0.47-0.65), OE1 (HR, 0.65; CI, 0.58-0.72), and OE2 (HR, 0.45; CI, 0.35-0.59). Sensitivity analysis with TIA excluded rendered the similar trend. Subgroup analyses found that the positive effect was not demonstrated in hemorrhagic stroke patients. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation use was associated with reduction of readmissions/mortality risks following stroke or TIA. The optimal intensity and duration of rehabilitation and the discrepancy shown in hemorrhagic stroke need further clarification.

Hospital recruitment for a pragmatic cluster-randomized clinical trial: Lessons learned from the COMPASS study.

BACKGROUND: Pragmatic randomized clinical trials are essential to determine the effectiveness of interventions in "real-world" clinical practice. These trials frequently use a cluster-randomized methodology, with randomization at the site level. Despite policymakers' increased interest in supporting pragmatic randomized clinical trials, no studies to date have reported on the unique recruitment challenges faced by cluster-randomized pragmatic trials. We investigated key challenges and successful strategies for hospital recruitment in the Comprehensive Post-Acute Stroke Services (COMPASS) study. METHODS: The COMPASS study is designed to compare the effectiveness of the COMPASS model versus usual care in improving functional outcomes, reducing the numbers of hospital readmissions, and reducing caregiver strain for patients discharged home after stroke or transient ischemic attack. This model integrates early supported discharge planning with transitional care management, including nurse-led follow-up phone calls after 2, 30, and 60 days and an in-person clinic visit at 7-14 days involving a functional assessment and neurological examination. We present descriptive statistics of the characteristics of successfully recruited hospitals compared with all eligible hospitals, reasons for non-participation, and effective recruitment strategies. RESULTS: We successfully recruited 41 (43%) of 95 eligible North Carolina hospitals. Leading, non-exclusive reasons for non-participation included: insufficient staff or financial resources (n = 33, 61%), lack of health system support (n = 16, 30%), and lack of support of individual decision-makers (n = 11, 20%). Successful recruitment strategies included: building and nurturing relationships, engaging team members and community partners with a diverse skill mix, identifying gatekeepers, finding mutually beneficial solutions, having a central institutional review board, sharing published pilot data, and integrating contracts and review board administrators. CONCLUSIONS: Although we incorporated strategies based on the best available evidence at the outset of the study, hospital recruitment required three times as much time and considerably more staff than anticipated. To reach our goal, we tailored strategies to individuals, hospitals, and health systems. Successful recruitment of a sufficient number and representative mix of hospitals requires considerable preparation, planning, and flexibility. Strategies presented here may assist future trial organizers in implementing cluster-randomized pragmatic trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02588664 . Registered on 23 October 2015.

Rehabilitation and education are underutilized for mild stroke and TIA sufferers.

PURPOSE: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) and mild stroke represent a large proportion of cerebrovascular events, at high risk of being followed by recurrent, serious events. The importance of early education addressing risk management, secondary prevention and lifestyle modifications is the centerpiece of further stroke prevention. However, delivering education and rehabilitation to this population can be complex and challenging. METHODS: Via synthesis of a narrative review and clinical experience, we explore the unique and inherent complexities of rehabilitation management and education provision for patients following mild stroke and TIA. RESULTS: A considerable proportion of TIA/mild stroke survivors have ongoing rehabilitation needs that are poorly addressed. The need for rehabilitation in these patients is often overlooked, and available assessment tools lack the sensitivity to identify common subtle impairments in cognition, mood, language and fatigue. Active and accessible education interventions need to be initiated early after the event, and integrated with ongoing rehabilitation management. Priority areas in need of future development in this field are highlighted and discussed. Implications for rehabilitation Survivors of mild stroke and TIA have ongoing unmet rehabilitation needs and require a unique approach to rehabilitation and education. Rehabilitation needs are difficult to assess and poorly addressed in this cohort, where available assessment tools lack the sensitivity required to identify subtle impairments. Education needs to be initiated early after the event and involve active engagement of the patient in order to improve stroke knowledge, mood and motivate adherence to lifestyle modifications and secondary prevention. Rehabilitation physicians are currently an underutilized resource, who should be more involved in the management of all patients following TIA or mild stroke.

A study of the relationship between the quality of lifestyle counselling and later adherence to the lifestyle changes based on patients with stroke and TIA.

OBJECTIVE: To identify associations between lifestyle counselling quality and adherence to lifestyle changes during the 12-month period after discharge. SETTING: Neurology unit. SUBJECTS: Stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) patients ( n = 98). DESIGN: Longitudinal explorative study that utilized data initially collected for quasi-experimental study. MAIN MEASURES: The exploratory measures of Counselling Quality were collected at the hospital on the day of discharge between January 2010 and October 2011, and the outcome measures of Adherence to Lifestyle Change and clinical values were collected 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge. RESULTS: There were significant associations between the exploratory and outcome measures over time. Three of the counselling quality parameters, counselling interaction, advantages and resources, were found to be significantly associated with adherence to lifestyle change. In particular, counselling interactiveness was positively associated with physical activity at 3 ( B = 0.31, SD = 0.10, P = 0.004) and 12 ( B = 0.29, SD = 0.13, P = 0.030) months, as was advantages of following the advice at 3 ( B = 0.33, SD = 0.11, P = 0.006) and 12 ( B = 0.34, SD = 0.14, P = 0.021) months. Counselling resources were associated with lower body mass index throughout the entire follow-up period, that is, at 3 ( B = -0.06, SD = 0.02, P = 0.006), 6 ( B = -0.05, SD = 0.02, P = 0.040) and 12 months ( B = -0.05, SD = 0.02, P = 0.022). Furthermore, all aspects of counselling quality were positively related to support from nurses. CONCLUSION: Adherence to lifestyle change is more likely to be attained if lifestyle counselling is interactive, the advantages of following the given advice are perceived as beneficial and the counsellor has sufficient resources.