Tracking recovery of arm function in stroke survivors in Singapore

Deep Phenotyping of Upper Limb Sensori-motor Recovery in Asian Stroke Survivors: Concept, Development and Implementation of a Rehabilomics-driven Technology-assisted Data Platform

This study looks at how arm function improves in first-time stroke survivors aged 21-90 in Singapore over eight weeks to help improve rehabilitation methods.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 400 (estimated)
• Ages: 21 Years to 90 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Tan Tock Seng Hospital (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Singapore)
• Trial ID: NCT05322837 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to understand the recovery of upper limb function in Asian stroke survivors by collecting data on various impairments and quality of life over time. It will involve clinical assessments and questionnaires to create a comprehensive database that reflects the recovery process. The study focuses on first-time stroke patients aged 21-90 and will track their progress within eight weeks of stroke onset. By analyzing the relationship between upper limb recovery and post-stroke impairments, the study seeks to provide insights that could enhance rehabilitation strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Asian adults aged 21-90 who have experienced their first stroke and are admitted to rehabilitation within eight weeks of onset.

Not a fit: Patients with recurrent strokes, upper limb impairments unrelated to stroke, or uncontrolled medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation approaches for stroke survivors, enhancing their quality of life and functional recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in tracking recovery in stroke patients, but this specific approach focusing on Asian populations is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Stroke confirmed by neurologists, neurosurgeons and brain imaging (CT, CT angiogram, MRI, MR angiogram)
2. First ever confirmed stroke
3. Asian ethnicity
4. Age 21-90 years
5. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) scores 21/30 and above
6. Admission to rehabilitation ward is within 8 weeks of stroke onset

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Recurrent stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
2. Upper limb impairment not related to stroke: e.g., subarachnoid haemorrhage, traumatic brain injury or brain tumours
3. Bilateral upper limb impairment.
4. Uncontrolled medical conditions such as hypertension, hypotension, diabetes mellitus, unstable angina, cardiac failure or sepsis will be excluded.
5. Active fractures or arthritis of upper limb joints/bones
6. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain \> 5/10
7. MOCA \< 21/30
8. Severe behavioural disturbance or agitation or epilepsy or untreated depression
9. Life expectancy \< 6 months
10. End organ failures on replacements (renal dialysis or renal replacement therapies)
11. Minimally responsive or unresponsive awareness (vegetative) states
12. Pregnancy or lactation states
13. Admission to rehab ward later than 8 weeks post-stroke
14. (For TMS assessments only) History of epilepsy or seizures, or cranial surgeries, or have metal implants in body or head, or have implanted electronics, or have metallic valve, or skull fracture or brain injury, or head or brain surgeries.

Where this trial is running

Singapore

• Tan Tock Seng Hospital — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Dr Karen Chua, MBBS — Tan Tock Seng Hospital
• Study coordinator: Megan Lau Si En

Conditions Stroke