Pulse Wave Velocity and in Subacute Stroke Patients Following Rehabilitation

NCT ID: NCT06224517

Last Updated: 2025-02-25

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: RECRUITING
• Total Enrollment: 25 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-02-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-06-30

Brief Summary

Currently, the literature regarding the relationship between Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) and functional recovery, particularly of upper limb function, in patients with subacute stroke is still limited. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate the changes in baPWV after four weeks of intensive rehabilitation therapy, and the correlation between these changes and functional recovery.

Detailed Description

Objectives： The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes in baPWV after four weeks of intensive rehabilitation therapy, and the correlation between these changes and functional recovery.

Background： Arterial stiffness, increasing with age, is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic diseases and a predictor of mortality from various causes, including symptomatic strokes. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a reliable measure of arterial stiffness, correlates with cardiovascular events and mortality risk. Clinical improvements post-ischemic stroke align with a decrease in PWV, emphasizing arterial stiffness's role in recovery. Previous studies indicate significant differences in pressure waveforms and baPWV between stroke patients and control groups. Despite evidence of baPWV's prognostic value in predicting functional outcomes after acute cerebral infarction, the literature on its relation to functional recovery, especially upper limb function, in subacute stroke patients remains limited.

Study Design： Twenty-five patients admitted to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine at Shin-Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital will be enrolled prospectively. Demographic and baseline clinical data, including age, gender, stroke duration (day), lesion side, stroke type, underlying disease, severity of neurological deficit (NIHSS) at admission were recorded. Once their neurological symptoms have stabilized, all patients will have their baPWV and functional outcome measurements before and four weeks after undergoing intensive rehabilitation therapy.

Methods： Inclusion criteria are as follows: first-onset cerebral ischemic stroke within the previous 3 months, which is confirmed clinically by computed tomography scans or magnetic resonance imaging; sufficient cognition to understand procedures and provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria are as follows: hemorrhagic stroke, cerebellar or brainstem lesions which may affect autonomic or balance; concurrent neurological or neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.), brain tumor, malignancy, limb deficiency or amputation.

The intervention includes daily physical and occupational therapy sessions tailored to each patient's functional status. In this study, stroke patients will undergo a four-week rehabilitation therapy program comprising 60-minute daily sessions of physical and occupational therapy. The physical therapy includes balance training, mobility and strengthening exercises, while occupational therapy covers sensorimotor and fine motor training, and ADL activities. The primary outcome is baPWV, measured noninvasively using an oscillometric method. Patients maintain their prescribed medication regime throughout. Secondary outcomes assessed include activities of daily living, balance, gait function, ambulation, and upper limb function.

Effect： Arterial stiffness in subacute stroke patients can be improved after four weeks of intensive rehabilitation therapy. After four weeks of intensive rehabilitation training, the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) will decrease and will be negatively correlated with functional recovery.

Conditions

Ischemic Stroke; Arterial Stiffness; Pulse Wave Velocity; Rehabilitation

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: COHORT
• Study Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

Patients of ischemic stroke

Inclusion criteria are as follows: first-onset cerebral ischemic stroke within the previous 3 months, which is confirmed clinically by computed tomography scans or magnetic resonance imaging; sufficient cognition to understand procedures and provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria are as follows: hemorrhagic stroke, cerebellar or brainstem lesions which may affect autonomic or balance; concurrent neurological or neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.), brain tumor, malignancy, limb deficiency or amputation.

Rehabilitation

Intervention Type: OTHER

The intervention includes daily physical and occupational therapy sessions tailored to each patient's functional status. In this study, stroke patients will undergo a four-week rehabilitation therapy program comprising 60-minute daily sessions of physical and occupational therapy. The physical therapy includes balance training, mobility and strengthening exercises, while occupational therapy covers sensorimotor and fine motor training, and ADL activities.

Interventions

Rehabilitation

The intervention includes daily physical and occupational therapy sessions tailored to each patient's functional status. In this study, stroke patients will undergo a four-week rehabilitation therapy program comprising 60-minute daily sessions of physical and occupational therapy. The physical therapy includes balance training, mobility and strengthening exercises, while occupational therapy covers sensorimotor and fine motor training, and ADL activities.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• First-onset cerebral ischemic stroke within the previous 3 months, which is confirmed clinically by computed tomography scans or magnetic resonance imaging
• Sufficient cognition to understand procedures and provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

• Hemorrhagic stroke, cerebellar or brainstem lesions which may affect autonomic or balance
• Concurrent neurological or neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.)
• Brain tumor
• Malignancy
• Limb deficiency or amputation

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 80 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Ying Chen Kuo

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Ying-Chen Kuo, MD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital

Locations

Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital

Taipei, , Taiwan

Site Status: RECRUITING

Countries

Taiwan

Central Contacts

Ying-Chen Kuo, MD

Role: CONTACT

allazure1121@gmail.com

+886-952848997

Facility Contacts

Ying Chen Kuo, MD

Role: primary

Other Identifiers

20230706R

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id