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BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
Published in: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

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

Authors: Neil Heron, Frank Kee, Jonathan Mant, Philip M. Reilly, Margaret Cupples, Mark Tully, Michael Donnelly

Published in: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02712385. This study was registered prospectively on 18/03/2016.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Stroke Prevention Rehabilitation Intervention Trial of Exercise (SPRITE) - a randomised feasibility study
Authors
Neil Heron
Frank Kee
Jonathan Mant
Philip M. Reilly
Margaret Cupples
Mark Tully
Michael Donnelly
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2261
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-017-0717-9

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