Post stroke intervention trial in fatigue (POSITIF): Randomised multicentre feasibility trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Psychology

Background:

• Post-stroke fatigue is a common and debilitating condition affecting survivors' quality of life.
• Cognitive behavioural principles offer a potential framework for managing post-stroke fatigue.
• Telephone-delivered interventions present a feasible delivery method for remote patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a telephone-delivered intervention based on cognitive behavioural principles for post-stroke fatigue.
• To estimate the intervention's effect on fatigue and other patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomised controlled parallel group trial was conducted across three Scottish stroke services.
• Stroke survivors experiencing fatigue between three months and two years post-stroke onset were recruited.
• Participants received either a manualised telephone intervention (seven calls) or information only, with assessments at baseline, four, and six months.

Main Results:

• Recruitment was feasible, with 64% of eligible participants completing six-month follow-up.
• No significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups in fatigue, anxiety, or mood scores at six months.
• Quality of life, social participation, and return to work outcomes also showed no between-group differences.

Conclusions:

• The trial demonstrated that patients can be recruited to this study design for post-stroke fatigue.
• The findings provide valuable data to inform the design of future clinical trials investigating interventions for post-stroke fatigue.