Repetitive arm functional tasks after stroke (RAFTAS): a pilot randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Stroke Recovery
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Repetitive functional task practice (RFTP) shows promise for improving upper limb function after stroke.
• A multi-centre randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed to assess the feasibility of evaluating RFTP early post-stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the feasibility of a multi-centre RCT for upper limb RFTP in acute stroke patients.
• To evaluate recruitment rates, adherence, data quality, and participant/therapist feedback.

Main Methods:

• A pilot RCT involving patients with acute stroke and reduced upper limb function.
• Participants received either RFTP plus usual care or usual care alone.
• Feasibility outcomes included recruitment rate, adherence, attrition, data quality, blinding success, and adverse events.

Main Results:

• Twenty-four patients participated; two sites met recruitment targets.
• High adherence to daily repetitions (median 80) was observed.
• Outcome data were available for 83-92% of participants; blinding was successful in 50-70% of cases.

Conclusions:

• A multi-centre RCT for early upper limb RFTP post-stroke is feasible and acceptable.
• Phase III studies require careful monitoring of recruitment, attrition, adherence, and blinding.