Strength training with Electrical Stimulation - is this a viable method of facilitating independent mobility and improving quality of life after a moderate to severe stroke?
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN99172250 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN99172250 |
| Protocol serial number | AP1131 |
| Sponsor | Keele University (UK) |
| Funder | Action Medical Research (UK) (ref: AP1131) |
- Submission date
- 21/09/2009
- Registration date
- 28/09/2009
- Last edited
- 22/11/2019
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Circulatory System
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
A stroke is a serious condition where the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off, usually by a blood clot blocking an artery supplying the brain (ischaemic stroke) or a bleed in the brain (haemorrhagic stroke). A large proportion of stroke victims suffer from long-term complications depending on the area of the brain that is affected, which can affect their ability to move, speak or even their cognitive function (memory loss, difficulty reasoning and confusion). One of the most common complications of a stroke is paralysis (hemiplegia) or weakness (hemiparesis) on one side of the body, particularly in the legs. It is important to start rehabilitation therapy as soon as possible after stroke as it gives patients the best chance of regaining their range of movement. Studies have shown however that even in patients who take part in active rehabilitation, the movement capabilities may never be restored. This can lead to patients not moving around as much and weakening of the muscles. Electrical stimulation is a technique in which the muscles and nerves are stimulated by pulses of electricity. This activation of muscles could help to prevent them from wasting away and even restore movement. The aim of this study is to find out whether electrical stimulation treatment can help to improve muscle strength and restore movement in stroke patients.
Who can participate?
Stroke patients under 80 years old who are unable to mobilise independently.
What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in the first group take part in six weeks of standard NHS therapy treatment combined with electrical stimulation treatment. This involves three sessions a week in which the muscles of the calf (gastrocnemius) and the front of the thigh (quadriceps) have a small electrical current applied to them. Those in the second group receive standard NHS therapy treatment only and are then monitored for six weeks. At the start of the study, and then again after 3 and 6 weeks, participants in both groups have their muscle strength and range of movement measured.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Not provided at time of registration.
Where is the study run from?
Keele University (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
March 2009 to August 2009
Who is funding the study?
Action Medical Research (UK)
Who is the main contact?
Dr Anand Pandyan
Contact information
Scientific
School of Health and Rehabilitation
Keele University
Staffordshire
ST5 5GB
United Kingdom
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Scientific title | Strength training with Electrical Stimulation: a randomised controlled trial of a viable method of facilitating independent mobility and improving quality of life after a moderate to severe stroke |
| Study objectives | To develop a therapy protocol to prevent deterioration of muscle performance after a moderate to severe stroke. |
| Ethics approval(s) | South Manchester (Northwest 6- GM South) Research Ethics Committee approved on the 4th August 2008 (ref: 08/H1003/44) |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Stroke |
| Intervention | Treatment: Six weeks treatment, three times per week with electrical stimulation on quadriceps, and gastrocnemius, combined with standard NHS therapy treatment. Control: Six weeks of monitoring progress after standard NHS therapy treatment. There will be a measurement at the end of treatment but no further follow-up. |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) | Muscle strength, measured at 0, 3 and 6 weeks |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) | Measured at 0, 3 and 6 weeks: 1. Electromyography 2. Range of movement 3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of muscle volume 4. Ultrasound imaging for muscle architecture 5. Barthel Index 6. Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) 7. Visual analogue scale 8. Fatigue severity scale 9. Timed up and go 10. 10-metre walk |
| Completion date | 20/08/2009 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Other |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 10 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Below age of 80 years, either sex 2. Medically stable 3. Capable of providing informed consent 4. Patients who can sit and transfer independently, however who are unable to mobilise |
| Key exclusion criteria | Contraindication to electrical stimulation (i.e., orthopaedic implants at stimulation site, active cardiac implants, and skin reactions to electrodes) |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/03/2009 |
| Date of final enrolment | 20/08/2009 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
Newcastle
ST5 5GB
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | |
| IPD sharing plan |
Editorial Notes
22/11/2019: No publications found, verifying study status with principal investigator.
01/02/2016 No publications found, verifying study status with principal investigator.
