This study investigates the effectiveness of telephysiotherapy as a rehabilitation and secondary prevention tool in patients with minor stroke, TIA, or LACI, comparing an experimental group receiving tele-assisted aerobic and anaerobic exercises to a control group.
Stroke is an acute disorder of cerebral blood flow that can cause transient or permanent alterations in the functionality of the brain, often resulting from ischemia or hemorrhage. Depending on the affected region and its severity, strokes range in impact, with minor strokes characterized by mild symptoms. Despite the potential for rapid symptom improvement in transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), both minor strokes and TIAs significantly impact long-term quality of life. The implementation of physical rehabilitation, particularly through structured exercise, is critical for mitigating motor deficits, reducing fatigue, and improving functional capabilities post-stroke. Tele-physical therapy (TPT)/Therapeutic Tele-Assisted Exercise (T-TEx/T-FIS) has emerged as a promising approach for delivering rehabilitation remotely, offering convenience and ensuring continuity of care while addressing limitations posed by traditional in-person therapy. Recent systematic reviews suggest that TPT/T-TEx/T-FIS demonstrates comparable outcomes to conventional physiotherapy, highlighting its potential for wider adoption. The hypothesis is that a 12-week tele-physiotherapy program can significantly improve cardiovascular health, reduce obesity, and enhance quality of life in patients with minor stroke, TIAs, or lacunar infarcts, compared to standard lifestyle recommendations alone. The primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of tele-physiotherapy in addressing modifiable risk factors for secondary stroke prevention. Secondary goals include analyzing improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, sleep quality, and fatigue, while promoting healthy lifestyle habits and tracking adherence to therapeutic exercise. A single-blind, randomized controlled trial is proposed, wherein patients are divided equally into a control group and an experimental group receiving TPT. Participants will undergo assessments at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks, with a follow-up at 24 weeks to evaluate sustained benefits.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
32
The experimental group is undergoing a tele-assisted therapeutic exercise program (T-TPT/T-FIS), which involves physical exercises aimed at improving cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and balance, among others. Participants will complete exercises under virtual supervision and submit progress reports.
The educational session will focus on raising awareness about stroke risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, while promoting healthy lifestyle changes. The goal is to empower them with the knowledge to reduce stroke risk and improve overall well-being.
Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena
Seville, Sevilla, Spain
Quality of life (SF-36)
Assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, which evaluates physical and mental health domains. The scale consists of 36 questions, assesing physical function (10 items), physical role (4 items), bodily pain (2 items), general health status (5 items), vitality (4 items), social function (2 items), emotional role (3 items), mental health (5 items), and health transition (1 item). A higher score indicates better health status.
Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
Gait characteristics (GAITRite system and 6MWT)
Assessed using the GAITRite system and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). The GAITRite system will measure weight distribution, support surface, time in double support and single support, step time, step symmetry and length, and gait normality. Measurements will be taken while wearing shoes, both before and after performing the 6MWT. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a validated test and is considered highly reliable for measuring gait in stroke patients. Additionally, its execution has been validated in environments with limited space (15 and 30 meters), making it easier to use. It will also allow us to assess the response to exertion, as well as the gait adjustments associated with fatigue.
Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
Fall risk and functional mobility (TUG)
Asesssed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test. It is a valid, reliable, and easy-to-administer fall risk test used to measure advanced functional mobility after a stroke. To perform this test, the patient must rise from a chair, walk three meters, and return to sit as quickly as possible.
Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
Balance (BBS)
Assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), which is designed to evaluate balance and predict gait and fall risk. This scale complements the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. It includes 14 tasks, with the patient's movement quality rated on a scale from 0 to 4. The maximum achievable score is 56/56.
Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
Walking and assistance (FAC)
Assesed using the level of walking and assistance using the Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) Scale . This scale evaluates the patient's walking capacity and the degree of support required, categorizing walking ability into six distinct levels.
Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
Fatigue associated with stroke (FSS)
Assessed the level of fatigue related to the stroke using the Fatigue Severity Scale. It is a 9-item scale that captures the patient's subjective assessment of their fatigue and its impact on their life, with scores ranging from 1 to 7. The possible values range from 9 to 63, with a lower score indicating a better outcome.
Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
Handgrip strength (Digital Dynamometer)
Measured to assess muscular strength and serves as a predictor of cardiovascular events, chronic diseases, and overall health. Studies highlight its predictive value. A digital dynamometer from the brand Vicfund will be used for its measurement.
Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
Body mass index (BMI)
Weight and heigh will be combined to report Body Mass Index (BMI). While BMI is a useful health indicator for any patient, its influence on stroke has also been documented. Data will be collected using a tape measure and a scale. It will be recorded in kg/m\^2.
Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
Sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD)
Abdominal fat accumulation is a key component of the cardiometabolic syndrome, which is associated with stroke, heart attack, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic complications, and overall mortality. It has been shown that this risk increases when the diameter exceeds 25 cm. Data will be collected using a tape measure. It will be recorded in cm.
Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
VO2 peak
VO2 peak will allow us to assess cardiorespiratory health. It will be measured using a smartwatch while the patient is lying down, 5 minutes after exercise. It will be recorded in ml O2/kg/min.
Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
Blood pressure
Blood pressure will be measured in a seated position before exertion, after exercise, and 5 minutes post-rest, using a smartwatch. The value will be recorded in mmHg.
Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
Biochemical levels
These are considered the main modifiable risk factors for stroke recurrence. Blood lipid and glucose levels will be collected through biochemical analysis provided by the hospital's blood collection service. The sample will be taken on the same day as the evaluation, with analysis and result collection afterward. Patients should fast for a minimum of 8 to 12 hours before the extraction, as is also required for blood pressure measurement. * Glucose: Measured in mg/dl, and consideration will be given to whether the patient has diabetes mellitus. Additionally, glycated hemoglobin will be recorded. * Lipids: The following lipid parameters will be measured: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
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Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
Adherence to therapy
Assessed through an online form. The patient will complete a daily Google form where they will record the values obtained from the smartwatch, alcohol, and tobacco consumption, as well as their subjective feelings of effort and rest. Adherence will be measured by the number of forms submitted throughout the study and the data provided in them.
Time frame: Daily throughout the duration of the study (from baseline (week 1) to post-intervention 2 (week 24)).
Perceived exertion
To dose physical activity, understanding the sensation of exertion will allow us to program the workload more selectively for each patient. The Borg scale has proven useful for this purpose and is also easy for the patient to record. To use it, the patient simply needs to rate the level of fatigue associated with the exertion on a scale from 0 to 10.
Time frame: Initial baseline assessment (week 1), assessment post-intervention (week 12) and assessment post-intervention 2 (week 24).
Harmful habits and sleep
Tobacco and alcohol consumption are recognized as risk factors for suffering from strokes. Therefore, it will be important to record this information to evaluate the evolution of the patient's habits and the impact of their consumption on other parameters. For measurement, the patient will manually record their consumption daily in a form, indicating "cigarettes consumed" and "glasses of alcoholic beverages." The subjective quality of sleep in post-stroke patients is related to depression and affects physical functionality. To measure this, the patient will rate the quality of their rest on a scale from 0 to 10 in the form daily and will also record the number of hours of sleep monitored by the smartwatch.
Time frame: Daily throughout the duration of the study (from baseline (week 1) to post-intervention 2 (week 24)).