EVERLAP: Early VERsus Later Augmented arm Physiotherapy after stroke

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Early VERsus Later Augmented Physiotherapy (EVERLAP) compared with usual upper limb physiotherapy after stroke: an exploratory RCT.

• IRAS ID

  136785

• Contact name

  Frederike van Wijck

• Contact email

  Frederike.vanWijck@gcu.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Glasgow Caledonian University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  3 years, 0 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  Up to 80% of people with acute stroke experience reduced arm function, which affects independence, mood and quality of life. Arm rehabilitation after stroke has been identified as a top research priority by stroke survivors, carers and physiotherapists. Evidence shows that extra arm physiotherapy can improve outcomes, but it is not clear how much and when it is best to start.

  This study is a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing 3 groups, where all participants receive usual arm physiotherapy:
  (1) Early extra arm physiotherapy (i.e. provided within 3 weeks of stroke)
  (2) Later extra arm physiotherapy (i.e. provided at 3 months after stroke)
  (3) Usual arm physiotherapy only

  Objectives:
  • To compare the 3 groups above in terms of effects on: arm function, “real life” arm use, quality of life, attainment of personal goals, mood, carer burden and health care costs.
  • To examine the feasibility of and number of participants needed for a definitive RCT of extra arm physiotherapy.

  Methodology:
  • Participants: 75 stroke patients with arm impairment and their carers will be recruited within 3 weeks after stroke from NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
  • Intervention: Extra arm physiotherapy is a 6-week programme with 6 sessions per week, 45 minutes per day, aimed at improving arm/hand function. It includes a range of evidence-based treatments, which will be selected according to each participant’s needs and goals. Participants will be offered a choice between a home DVD, mobile phone service or a workbook to remind them to undertake their self-practice.
  • Outcomes: Participants will be assessed 4 times over a period of 6 months after stroke:
  (a) feasibility: participants’ views, recruitment rates, drop-outs, safety, cost
  (b) arm function, amount of arm activity, quality of life, personal goal attainment, mood, carer burden.

• REC name

  West of Scotland REC 5

• REC reference

  14/WS/1136

• Date of REC Opinion

  26 Nov 2014

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion