Exercise intervention for sleep disorders after stroke: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Sleep disorders are common after stroke, increasing mortality and reducing functional recovery.
• Exercise interventions show potential benefits for post-stroke sleep disorders, but evidence remains inconclusive.
• This study addresses the conflicting results by investigating exercise's effects on sleep in stroke survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of exercise interventions for sleep disorders following stroke.
• To establish evidence-based exercise prescriptions for managing post-stroke sleep disturbances.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library) will be conducted.
• Inclusion criteria: Randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies on exercise for post-stroke sleep disorders.
• Primary outcome: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); Secondary outcomes: Adverse events and mortality. Methodological quality assessed using PEDro scale; heterogeneity analyzed with I2 test.

Main Results:

• This systematic review will synthesize data to assess the efficacy of exercise in improving sleep quality after stroke.
• The safety profile of exercise interventions, including adverse events and mortality, will be evaluated.

Conclusions:

• Findings will guide clinicians in making informed decisions regarding exercise as a treatment for post-stroke sleep disorders.
• This research aims to provide a clearer understanding of exercise's role in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors with sleep disturbances.