SPRITE - A Feasibility and Pilot Study

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    SPRITE - Stroke Prevention Rehabilitation Intervention Trial of Exercise - A Feasibility and Pilot Study

  • IRAS ID

    127854

  • Contact name

    Neil Heron

  • Contact email

    nheron02@qub.ac.uk

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 7 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    TIA, strokes and heart attacks, collectively termed vascular disease, are common. People who experience TIAs/strokes are at high risk of suffering further vascular events particularly within the first ninety days. All vascular events share common underlying risk factors. In the UK, patients who suffer a heart attack are offered cardiac rehabilitation, which has reduced the number of subsequent deaths and improved quality of life for survivors. Cardiac rehabilitation also improves VO2max, a marker of how fit people are and of their risk of death. People who suffer a TIA/stroke are, however, not routinely offered such a programme; information about its potential impact in this study population is limited. This study aims to determine if a modified home-based cardiac rehabilitation programme, initiated within two weeks of suffering a first TIA or minor stroke, can be implemented and followed within this patient group. The first part of the study will involve qualitative work with patients, family members and health professionals to allow initial development of an adapted, novel manual from the original 'Heart Manual'.

    Following initial development of the home-based manual, the pilot study of a randomised trial will have 3 groups: standard care; home-based rehabilitation, using the novel manual; home-based rehabilitation, using the novel manual and a pedometer. Patients will be reviewed at 3 months to determine rates of recruitment, adherence and completion of outcome measures, including predicted VO2max and vascular events. Participants' views regarding the interventions will be sought and the cost of the programme will be examined. This study has potential to lead to changes in the management of TIA/stroke, with reduction in risk of further vascular events.

  • REC name

    HSC REC B

  • REC reference

    15/NI/0001

  • Date of REC Opinion

    18 Feb 2015

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion