Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
08:53
Randomized, Triple-Blind, and Parallel-Controlled Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cognitive Rehabilitation after Stroke
Published on: June 6, 2025
ImProving Outcomes after STroke (POST): results from the randomized clinical pilot trial
Maree L Hackett1, Greg Carter, Denis Crimmins
1The George Institute for Global Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Summary
A postcard intervention after stroke did not significantly reduce depression rates. However, the postcards effectively engaged patients post-discharge, suggesting potential for improved patient connection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Post-stroke depression affects one in three patients.
- There is a need for cost-effective, low-risk interventions to prevent post-stroke depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a monthly postcard intervention in preventing depression after stroke.
Main Methods:
- A randomized trial compared a five-month monthly postcard intervention plus usual care to usual care alone in patients post-stroke.
- Participants (n=100 intervention, n=101 control) were assessed at six months.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in depression rates between the postcard intervention group (1/88) and the control group (3/76).
- No significant differences observed in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores, quality of life, or daily living activities.
- A positive response rate of 47% to the postcards was noted.
Conclusions:
- The postcard intervention did not significantly reduce depression scores after stroke.
- The intervention showed potential as an engaging method for connecting with patients post-hospital discharge.