Poststroke Fatigue: Emerging Evidence and Approaches to Management: A Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association

Early poststroke clinically significant fatigue predicts functional independence: a prospective longitudinal study

Background

Poststroke fatigue is a prevalent issue among stroke survivors, significantly impeding functional recovery and diminishing their quality of life.

Aim

This prospective cohort study aims to investigate the association between poststroke fatigue and the extent of functional recovery in survivors of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Additionally, it seeks to delineate the temporal progression of poststroke fatigue in these two stroke subtypes.

Methods

We assessed a cohort of 79 patients recovering from acute ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. Poststroke fatigue was quantified using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRSfatigue). Patients' condition was evaluated using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and functional independence levels were determined using the Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living (BIADL) and the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS). Depressive mood and pain were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Numeric Rating Scale for pain (NRSpain), respectively.

Results

Our primary findings indicate that the early manifestation of clinically significant fatigue (CSF) is predictive of a poorer trajectory in functional independence levels during recovery. Furthermore, we observed differing patterns of fatigue progression between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Fatigue tends to ameliorate over time in hemorrhagic stroke cases, paralleling functional recovery, while it remains stable over time in ischemic stroke cases.

Conclusion

Our results underscore the detrimental impact of early poststroke fatigue on long-term outcomes. Furthermore, they highlight the imperative of managing poststroke fatigue, particularly during the subacute phase of stroke recovery.

The impact of post-stroke fatigue on inpatient rehabilitation outcomes: An observational study

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke fatigue is a typical complication following stroke. However, existing research primarily focused on its underlying mechanisms, and its impact on rehabilitation outcomes has yet to be uncovered.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the impact of post-stroke fatigue on rehabilitation outcomes during hospitalization.

METHOD

This was a prospective multicenter observational study including 46 stroke patients receiving comprehensive rehabilitation treatment. Patients' basic information was recorded upon admission and patients' functional independence was assessed with Functional Independence Measure (FIM) both upon admission and discharge. One week after rehabilitation treatment, fatigue, positivity in daily activity, attention, and memory were assessed. Serum biochemical indicators and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed weekly following admission. The pain scores were assessed during the first week of hospitalization to calculate the average. Correlation analysis, linear regression and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to analyze the impact of fatigue on FIM scores at discharge and length of hospital stay.

RESULT

The proportion of patients with low fatigue was 39.13% and significant improvement was revealed in FIM scores upon admissions and discharge [(50.67±18.61) vs. (75.13±21.04), P<0.05]. Positivity in daily activity, attention, and age are factors that influence post-stroke fatigue. After PSM, low-fatigue group (Fatigue score< 3) showed significant higher motor function independence at discharge [(54.39 ± 15.42) vs. (41.89 ± 14.90), P<0.05] and shorter hospital stay [(28.54±9.13)d vs. (37.32 ± 9.81)d, P<0.05] than high-fatigue group. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in level of CRP between the first inpatient week and the third week, with declining trend.

CONCLUSION

Post-stroke fatigue can affect the rehabilitation outcomes regarding motor function independence and length of hospital stay.

Feasibility of a novel blended-care intervention for fatigue after acquired brain injury: a pilot study of the Tied by Tiredness intervention

PURPOSE

Evidence-based treatments for fatigue after brain injury are scarce and often not personalized. An approach to foster personalization is Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM), consisting of repeated daily measurements of fatigue and related factors in daily life. We investigated the feasibility and usability of a novel six-week ESM-based intervention for fatigue after brain injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten individuals with acquired brain injury (six men; four women) aged between 36-70 years (M = 53.3, SD = 12.9) used a mHealth application for three days each week during six-weeks; seven completed the intervention. Momentary fatigue, activities, mood, worrying, and social context were assessed with ESM and participants received weekly personalized feedback by a therapist..

RESULTS

56% of ESM-questionnaires (568/1008) were completed, providing detailed insights into individual fatigue patterns. No statistically significant decrease in response rate was found over the course of treatment. Qualitative feedback from participants revealed increased insight into factors underlying fatigue, and no problems with treatment duration or difficulties using the app. Five participants showed a decline in fatigue level during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study provides initial support for the feasibility and usability of this novel blended-care intervention, aimed at alleviating fatigue through personalized feedback and treatment strategies.

Interhemispheric Asymmetries in Intracortical Facilitation Correlate With Fatigue Severity in Individuals With Poststroke Fatigue

PURPOSE

Poststroke fatigue (PSF) contributes to increased mortality and reduces participation in rehabilitative therapy. Although PSF's negative influences are well known, there are currently no effective evidence-based treatments for PSF. The lack of treatments is in part because of a dearth of PSF pathophysiological knowledge. Increasing our understanding of PSF's causes may facilitate and aid the development of effective therapies.

METHODS

Twenty individuals, >6 months post stroke, participated in this cross-sectional study. Fourteen participants had clinically relevant pathological PSF, based on fatigue severity scale (FSS) scores (total score ≥36). Single-pulse and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation were used to measure hemispheric asymmetries in resting motor threshold, motor evoked potential amplitude, and intracortical facilitation (ICF). Asymmetry scores were calculated as the ratios between lesioned and nonlesioned hemispheres. The asymmetries were then correlated (Spearman rho) to FSS scores.

RESULTS

In individuals with pathological PSF ( N = 14, range of total FSS scores 39-63), a strong positive correlation ( rs = 0.77, P = 0.001) between FSS scores and ICF asymmetries was calculated.

CONCLUSIONS

As the ratio of ICF between the lesioned and nonlesioned hemispheres increased so did self-reported fatigue severity in individuals with clinically relevant pathological PSF. This finding may implicate adaptive/maladaptive plasticity of the glutamatergic system/tone as a contributor to PSF. This finding also suggests that future PSF studies should incorporate measuring facilitatory activity and behavior in addition to the more commonly studied inhibitory mechanisms. Further investigations are required to replicate this finding and identify the causes of ICF asymmetries.

Are central and systemic inflammation associated with fatigue in cerebral small vessel disease?

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a common symptom in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), but its pathogenesis is poorly understood. It has been suggested that inflammation may play a role. We determined whether central (neuro) inflammation and peripheral inflammation were associated with fatigue in SVD.

METHODS

Notably, 36 patients with moderate-to-severe SVD underwent neuropsychometric testing, combined positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) scan, and blood draw for the analysis of inflammatory blood biomarkers. Microglial signal was taken as a proxy for neuroinflammation, assessed with radioligand 11C-PK11195. Of these, 30 subjects had full PET datasets for analysis. We assessed global 11C-PK11195 binding and hotspots of 11C-PK11195 binding in the normal-appearing white matter, lesioned tissue, and combined total white matter. Peripheral inflammation was assessed with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and using the Olink cardiovascular III proteomic panel comprising 92 biomarkers of cardiovascular inflammation and endothelial activation. Fatigue was assessed using the fatigue severity scale (FSS), the visual analog fatigue scale, and a subscale of the Geriatric Depression Scale.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) age was 68.7 (11.2) years, and 63.9% were male. Of these, 55.6% showed fatigue on the FSS. Fatigued participants had higher disability scores (p = 0.02), higher total GDS scores (p = 0.02), and more commonly reported a history of depression (p = 0.04). 11C-PK11195 ligand binding in the white matter was not associated with any measure of fatigue. Serum CRP was significantly associated with average fatigue score on FSS (ρ = 0.48, p = 0.004); this association persisted when controlling for age, sex, disability score, and depression (β = 0.49, 95% CI (0.17, 2.26), p = 0.03). Blood biomarkers from the Olink panel showed no association with fatigue.

CONCLUSION

In symptomatic SVD patients, neuroinflammation, assessed with microglial marker 11C-PK11195, was not associated with fatigue. We found some evidence for a role of systematic inflammation, evidenced by an association between fatigue severity and raised CRP, but further studies are required to understand this relationship and inform whether it could be therapeutically modified to reduce fatigue severity.

DATA ACCESS STATEMENT

Data for this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Fatigue in patients with acquired brain damage

Fatigue is a complex, multidimensional syndrome that is prevalent in patients with acquired brain damage and has a negative impact on the neurorehabilitation process. It presents from early stages after the injury, and may persist over time, regardless of whether sequelae have resolved. Fatigue is conditioned by upper neuronal circuits, and is defined as an abnormal perception of overexertion. Its prevalence ranges from 29% to 77% after stroke, from 18% to 75% after traumatic brain injury, and from 47% to 97% after brain tumours. Fatigue is associated with factors including female sex, advanced age, dysfunctional families, history of specific health conditions, functional status (eg, fatigue prior to injury), comorbidities, mood, secondary disability, and the use of certain drugs. Assessment of fatigue is fundamentally based on such scales as the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Advances have recently been made in imaging techniques for its diagnosis, such as in functional MRI. Regarding treatment, no specific pharmacological treatment currently exists; however, positive results have been reported for some conventional neurorehabilitation therapies, such as bright light therapy, neurofeedback, electrical stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. This review aims to assist neurorehabilitation professionals to recognise modifiable factors associated with fatigue and to describe the treatments available to reduce its negative effect on patients.

A roadmap for research in post-stroke fatigue: Consensus-based core recommendations from the third Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable

RATIONALE

Fatigue affects almost half of all people living with stroke. Stroke survivors rank understanding fatigue and how to reduce it as one of the highest research priorities.

METHODS

We convened an interdisciplinary, international group of clinical and pre-clinical researchers and lived experience experts. We identified four priority areas: (1) best measurement tools for research, (2) clinical identification of fatigue and potentially modifiable causes, (3) promising interventions and recommendations for future trials, and (4) possible biological mechanisms of fatigue. Cross-cutting themes were aphasia and the voice of people with lived experience. Working parties were formed and structured consensus building processes were followed.

RESULTS

We present 20 recommendations covering outcome measures for research, development, and testing of new interventions and priority areas for future research on the biology of post-stroke fatigue. We developed and recommend the use of the Stroke Fatigue Clinical Assessment Tool.

CONCLUSIONS

By synthesizing current knowledge in post-stroke fatigue across clinical and pre-clinical fields, our work provides a roadmap for future research into post-stroke fatigue.

A roadmap for research in post-stroke fatigue: Consensus-based core recommendations from the third Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable

RATIONALE

Fatigue affects almost half of all people living with stroke. Stroke survivors rank understanding fatigue and how to reduce it as one of the highest research priorities.

METHODS

We convened an interdisciplinary, international group of clinical and pre-clinical researchers and lived experience experts. We identified four priority areas: (1) best measurement tools for research, (2) clinical identification of fatigue and potentially modifiable causes, (3) promising interventions and recommendations for future trials, and (4) possible biological mechanisms of fatigue. Cross-cutting themes were aphasia and the voice of people with lived experience. Working parties were formed and structured consensus building processes were followed.

RESULTS

We present 20 recommendations covering outcome measures for research, development, and testing of new interventions and priority areas for future research on the biology of post-stroke fatigue. We developed and recommend the use of the Stroke Fatigue Clinical Assessment Tool.

CONCLUSIONS

By synthesizing current knowledge in post-stroke fatigue across clinical and pre-clinical fields, our work provides a roadmap for future research into post-stroke fatigue.

Effects of a 1 year aerobic and strength training on cognitive functioning after transient ischemic attack or minor stroke: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Patients who have recently suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor ischemic stroke are at increased risk of cognitive impairment. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of a 1-year exercise intervention on cognitive functioning up to 2 years post intervention.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of an exercise intervention on cognitive functioning, compared with usual care, for up to 2 years. Patients with a TIA or minor stroke were randomly allocated to an intervention group receiving the 1-year exercise intervention (n = 60) or to usual care (n = 59). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 1 and 2 years. We measured cognition with neuropsychological tests on three domains: (1) executive functioning, (2) attention-psychomotor speed, and (3) memory. Linear mixed models were used for longitudinal data to determine the effect of the exercise intervention on cognitive functioning. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS software 24.0.

RESULTS

We found that over the two years study period -and corrected for age, sex, and educational level- the intervention group on average improved significantly more in executive functioning than the control group (β = 0.13; 95 % CI [0.02 to 0.25]; p = 0.03). No significant intervention effects were found on either memory or attention-psychomotor speed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that a 1-year exercise intervention significantly improved executive functioning over time, compared to usual care. We recommend that health care professionals consider broadening standard secondary stroke prevention treatment in patients with TIA/minor stroke by adding exercise and physical activity.

Non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of post-stroke fatigue: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) affects 50% of stroke survivors. Current guidance on management of this condition is limited.

AIMS

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify and analyze all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of PSF.

SUMMARY OF REVIEW

Six electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2023 for English-language RCTs investigating the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions versus passive controls in patients with PSF. The primary outcome was fatigue severity at the end of the intervention. The Cochrane risk-of-bias (ROB)2 tool was used to assess evidence quality. A total of 7990 records were retrieved, 333 studies were scrutinized, and 13 completed RCTs (484 participants) were included. Interventions included psychological therapies, physical therapies, and brain stimulation. Nine studies provided sufficient data for meta-analysis, of which seven also had follow-up data. Fatigue severity was lower in the intervention groups at the end of the intervention compared with control (participants = 310, standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.57, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (-0.87 to -0.28)) and at follow-up (participants = 112, SMD = -0.36, 95% CIs (-0.83 to 0.10)). Certainty in the effect estimate was downgraded to low for a serious ROB and imprecision. Subgroup analysis revealed significant benefits with physical therapy and brain stimulation but not psychological therapies, though sample sizes were low.

CONCLUSION

Non-pharmacological interventions improved fatigue but the quality of evidence was low. Further RCTs are needed for PSF management.

Perceptions of Post-Stroke Fatigue among Health Care Practitioners: A Qualitative Interview Study

Background and Objectives: Post-Stroke Fatigue (PSF) is a complex, multidimensional, debilitating condition that affects almost half of all stroke survivors. This study explored the perceptions of physiatrists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists about PSF and their experiences in managing patients with PSF in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from three different groups: eight physiotherapists (PTs), eight occupational therapists (OTs), and eight physiatrists (DRs). Using purposive sampling, participants with at least one year of experience in the field of PSF management were invited to take part. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-four health care participants (eight PTs, eight OTs, eight DRs) were recruited. Five overarching themes encompassing various subthemes and sub-subthemes were generated: 'knowledge about post-stroke fatigue', 'diagnosing post-stroke fatigue', 'treatment approach', 'lack of awareness about post-stroke fatigue', and 'domains to improve'. The data indicated that participants used various strategies to manage PSF, including dietary changes, sleep hygiene, exercise, and energy conservation. Conclusions: Participants acknowledged that they lacked PSF-related management skills, despite possessing adequate knowledge about the management of stroke. Their openness to participating in activities that would improve their ability to diagnose and manage PSF was particularly striking.

Is there evidence for a relationship between cognitive impairment and fatigue after acquired brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Fatigue is a major symptom of ABI. Greater fatigue is associated with cognitive impairment. Our aim was to systematically review, describe and analyse the literature on the extent of this relationship.

METHODS

Five databases were searched from inception. Studies were included where: participants had a defined clinical diagnosis of ABI which included TBI, stroke or subarachnoid haemorrhage; a fatigue measure was included; at least one objective cognitive measure was used. Three reviewers individually identified studies and determined quality using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies.

RESULTS

Sixteen of the 412 identified studies, investigating the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and fatigue, comprising a total of 1,745 participants, were included. Quality ranged from fair to good. Meta-analysis found fatigue was significantly associated with an overall pattern of cognitive slowing on tasks of sustained attention. A narrative synthesis found weak associations with fatigue and information processing, attention, memory and executive function.

CONCLUSION

Analysis found sustained attentional performance had stronger associations with fatigue after ABI. Whereas, weak associations were found between fatigue and information processing, attention and to some extent memory and executive function. More focused research on specific cognitive domains is needed to understand the mechanisms of fatigue.

Remote ischaemic conditioning for fatigue after stroke (RICFAST): A pilot randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Post stroke fatigue (PSF) affects 50 % of stroke survivors, and can be disabling. Remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC), can preserve mitochondrial function, improve tissue perfusion and may mitigate PSF. This pilot randomised controlled trial evaluates the safety and feasibility of using RIC for PSF and evaluated measures of cellular bioenergetics.

METHODS

24 people with debilitating PSF (7 item Fatigue Severity Score, FSS-7 > 4) were randomised (1:1) in this single-centre phase 2 study to RIC (blood pressure cuff inflation around the upper arm 200 mmHg for 5 min followed by 5 min of deflation), or sham (inflation pressure 20 mmHg), repeated 4 cycles, 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Primary outcomes were safety, acceptability, and compliance. Secondary outcomes included FSS-7, 6 min walking test (6MWT), peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak), ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), and muscle adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content measured using 31-phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy of tibialis anterior.

RESULTS

RIC was safe (no serious adverse events, adverse events mild) and adherence excellent (91 % sessions completed). Exploratory analysis revealed lower FSS-7 scores in the RIC group compared to sham at 6 weeks (between group difference FSS-7 -0.7, 95 %CI -2.0 to 0.6), 3 months (-1.0, 95 %CI -2.2 to 0.2) and 6 months (-0.9, 95 %CI -2.0 to 0.2). There were trends towards increased VAT, increased muscle ATP content and improved 6MWT in the RIC group.

DISCUSSION

RIC is safe and acceptable for people with PSF and may result in clinically meaningful improvements in fatigue and muscle bioenergetics that require further investigation in larger studies.

Long-term psychological outcomes following stroke: the OX-CHRONIC study

BACKGROUND

Stroke survivors rate longer-term (> 2 years) psychological recovery as their top priority, but data on how frequently psychological consequences occur is lacking. Prevalence of cognitive impairment, depression/anxiety, fatigue, apathy and related psychological outcomes, and whether rates are stable in long-term stroke, is unknown.

METHODS

N = 105 long-term stroke survivors (M [SD] age = 72.92 [13.01]; M [SD] acute NIH Stroke Severity Score = 7.39 [6.25]; 59.0% Male; M [SD] years post-stroke = 4.57 [2.12]) were recruited (potential N = 208). Participants completed 3 remote assessments, including a comprehensive set of standardized cognitive neuropsychological tests comprising domains of memory, attention, language, and executive function, and questionnaires on emotional distress, fatigue, apathy and other psychological outcomes. Ninety participants were re-assessed one year later. Stability of outcomes was assessed by Cohen's d effect size estimates and percent Minimal Clinically Important Difference changes between time points.

RESULTS

On the Montreal Cognitive Assessment 65.3% scored < 26. On the Oxford Cognitive Screen 45.9% had at least one cognitive impairment. Attention (27.1%) and executive function (40%) were most frequently impaired. 23.5% and 22.5% had elevated depression/anxiety respectively. Fatigue (51.4%) and apathy (40.5%) rates remained high, comparable to estimates in the first-year post-stroke. Attention (d = -0.12; 85.8% stable) and depression (d = 0.09, 77.1% stable) were the most stable outcomes. Following alpha-adjustments, only perceptuomotor abilities (d = 0.69; 40.4% decline) and fatigue (d = -0.33; 45.3% decline) worsened over one year. Cognitive impairment, depression/anxiety, fatigue and apathy all correlated with worse quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Nearly half of participants > 2 years post-event exhibited psychological difficulties including domains of cognition, mood, and fatigue, which impact long-term quality of life. Stroke is a chronic condition with highly prevalent psychological needs, which require monitoring and intervention development.

Post-Stroke Brain Health Monitoring and Optimization: A Narrative Review

Significant advancements have been made in recent years in the acute treatment and secondary prevention of stroke. However, a large proportion of stroke survivors will go on to have enduring physical, cognitive, and psychological disabilities from suboptimal post-stroke brain health. Impaired brain health following stroke thus warrants increased attention from clinicians and researchers alike. In this narrative review based on an open timeframe search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, we define post-stroke brain health and appraise the body of research focused on modifiable vascular, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors for optimizing post-stroke brain health. In addition, we make clinical recommendations for the monitoring and management of post-stroke brain health at major post-stroke transition points centered on four key intertwined domains: cognition, psychosocial health, physical functioning, and global vascular health. Finally, we discuss potential future work in the field of post-stroke brain health, including the use of remote monitoring and interventions, neuromodulation, multi-morbidity interventions, enriched environments, and the need to address inequities in post-stroke brain health. As post-stroke brain health is a relatively new, rapidly evolving, and broad clinical and research field, this narrative review aims to identify and summarize the evidence base to help clinicians and researchers tailor their own approach to integrating post-stroke brain health into their practices.

Exploring experiences of people with stroke and health professionals on post-stroke fatigue guidance: getting the right people to the right care at the right time

PURPOSE

This focus group study aimed to explore experiences and perceptions on post-stroke fatigue guidance in Dutch rehabilitation and follow-up care among people/patients with stroke and health professionals.

METHODS

Ten persons with stroke and twelve health professionals with different professions within stroke rehabilitation or follow-up care in the Netherlands were purposively sampled and included. Eight online focus group interviews were conducted. We analysed the data using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes were identified. Guidance in fatigue management did not always match the needs of people/patients with stroke. Professionals were positive about the provided fatigue guidance (e.g. advice on activity pacing), but found it could be better tailored to the situation of people/patients with stroke. Professionals believe the right time for post-stroke fatigue guidance is when people/patients with stroke are motivated to change physical activity behaviour to manage fatigue - mostly several months after stroke - while people/patients with stroke preferred information on post-stroke fatigue well before discharge. Follow-up care and suggestions for improvement described that follow-up support after rehabilitation by a stroke coach is not implemented nationwide, while people/patients with stroke and professionals expressed a need for it.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings will help guide improvement of fatigue guidance in stroke rehabilitation programmes and stroke follow-up care aiming to improve physical activity, functioning, participation, and health.

Post-stroke Everything

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims at providing updates on selected post-stroke complications. We examined recent advances in diagnosing and treating the following post-stroke complications: cognitive impairment, epilepsy, depression, fatigue, tremors, dysphagia, and pain.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advances in understanding the mechanisms of post-stroke complications, in general, are needed despite advances made in understanding, treating, and preventing these complications. There are growing progresses in integrating new tools to diagnose post-stroke cognitive impairment. The potential role of acute stroke reperfusion treatment in post-stroke epilepsy and its impact on other stroke complications is getting more transparent. Post-stroke depression remains underestimated and new tools to diagnose depression after stroke are being developed. New promising pharmacological approaches to treating post-stroke pain are emerging. Tremors related to stroke are poorly understood and under-evaluated, while treatment towards post-stroke dysphagia has benefited from new non-pharmacological to pharmacological approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

An integrative approach to stroke complications and collaborations between providers across specialties are more likely to improve stroke outcomes.

Verifying the Japanese version of the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor self-report tool for evaluating post-intensive care syndrome

BACKGROUND

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) requires the use of multiple assessment tools because it affects multiple domains: Cognitive, Functional, and Behavioural/Psychological. Therefore, this study translated the self-report (SR) version of the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor (HABC-M), spanning multiple domains, into Japanese and analysed its reliability and validity in a post-intensive care setting.

METHODS

Patients aged 20 years or older and admitted to the adult intensive care unit from August 2019 to January 2021 were included and surveyed by questionnaire. The 21-item Dementia Assessment Sheet for the Regional Comprehensive Care System was used to validate cognitive and physical aspects, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition were used to validate emotional aspects. Reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, and congruent validity by correlation analysis. Multivariate linear regression models were used to identify potential factors for PICS.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients (mean age: 64 ± 14 years) with 3 median mechanical ventilation days (interquartile range: 2-5) were enrolled. The Cognitive domain of the HABC-M SR was highly correlated with memory and disorientation (r = 0.77 for each), while the Functional domain was highly correlated with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (r = 0.75-0.79). The Behavioural/Psychological domain highly correlated with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (r = 0.75-0.76). Multivariate analysis revealed longer ICU stays associated with lower Cognitive and Functional (p = 0.03 for each) domains and longer mechanical ventilation days with a lower Behavioural/Psychological domain (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The translated Japanese HABC-M SR showed high validity for assessment of the Cognitive, Functional, and Behavioural/Psychological domains of PICS. Therefore, we recommend that the Japanese version of the HABC-M SR be routinely used in the assessment of PICS.

Management of post-stroke fatigue: an Australian health professional survey

PURPOSE

Evidence for post-stroke fatigue management is limited. We aimed to explore how Australian health professionals assess and assist fatigue management. Our objectives were to identify fatigue assessment tools and interventions used, explore clinician's confidence managing fatigue and explore whether management of post-stroke fatigue differs from management of fatigue related to other conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey was completed by Australian health professionals (n = 60) providing services to people with fatigue. Analysis of open-ended questions identified common interventions and descriptive statistics were calculated for closed and dichotomized questions.

RESULTS

Routine use of formal fatigue assessment tools was low (17%, n = 10). Most respondents reporting use of the Fatigue Impact Scale, Fatigue Assessment Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale. To address fatigue, respondents reported providing energy optimization strategies, education, and exercise interventions in clinical practice. Less frequently reported interventions were strategies to adapt tasks, sleep hygiene, psychology, nutrition, and pharmacology interventions. Respondents were "moderately" confident managing post-stroke fatigue. Respondents did not report differences between how they manage post-stroke fatigue and fatigue present in other conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Few Australian health professionals formally assess post-stroke fatigue. Management is multidisciplinary and based on evidence from fatigue management in other conditions.Implications for rehabilitationMost health professionals are not routinely using formal assessment tools for fatigue, possibly due to a lack of consensus on best practice in research.Common strategies recommended by health professionals include energy optimisation strategies, education and exercise.Comprehensive guidelines for post-stroke fatigue management are yet to be established.Health professionals should assess post-stroke fatigue using a validated tool to ensure an individualised approach to management based on the current available clinical guidelines.

Neuroimaging correlates of post-stroke fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a common and disabling symptom following stroke, but its underlying mechanisms are unknown. Associations with a number of imaging features have been proposed.

AIMS

We aimed to assess whether neuroimaging parameters could better inform our understanding of possible causes of post-stroke fatigue (PSF) through systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Using a predefined protocol registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022303168), we searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and PsycInfo for studies assessing PSF and computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, or diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We extracted neuroimaging parameters and narratively analyzed study results to assess any association with PSF. Where there were 3+ similar studies, we carried out a meta-analysis using inverse-variance random-effects model to estimate the total association of each neuroimaging parameter on PSF. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle and Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

We identified 46 studies (N = 6543); in many studies, associations with fatigue were secondary or subanalyses (28.3%). Imaging parameters were assessed across eight variables: lesion lateralization, lesion location, lesion volume, brain atrophy, infarct number, cerebral microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), and network measures. Most variables showed no conclusive evidence for any association with fatigue. Meta-analysis, where possible, showed no association of the following with PSF; left lesion lateralization (OR: 0.88, 95% CI (0.64, 1. 22) (p = 0.45)), infratentorial lesion location (OR: 1.83, 95% CI (0.63, 5.32) (p = 0.27)), and WMH (OR: 1.21, 95% CI (0.84, 1.75) (p = 0.29)). Many studies assessed lesion location with mixed findings; only one used voxel-symptom lesion-mapping (VSLM). Some small studies suggested an association between altered functional brain networks, namely frontal, fronto-striato-thalamic, and sensory processing networks, with PSF.

CONCLUSION

There was little evidence for the association between any neuroimaging parameters and PSF. Future studies should utilize advanced imaging techniques to fully understand the role of lesion location in PSF, while the role of altered brain networks in mediating PSF merits further research.

Systematic review: Pharmacological interventions for the treatment of post-stroke fatigue

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) affects around 50% of stroke survivors. Previous systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials found insufficient evidence to guide practice, but most excluded Chinese studies. Furthermore, their searches are now out-of-date.

AIMS

To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of pharmacological interventions for treating PSF.

METHODS

We screened Airitri, CNKI, VIP, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, CENTRAL, Cochrane Stroke Group Trial Register, EMBASE, EU Clinical Trial Register, ISRCTN, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Wanfang, and WHO ICTRP up to 11 November 2022. Our primary outcome was fatigue severity. We conducted subgroup analysis by drug type and sensitivity analysis after excluding the trials at high risk of bias. Secondary outcomes included mood and quality of life.

RESULTS

We screened 33,297 citations and identified 10 published completed trials, 6 unpublished completed trials, and 6 ongoing trials. Pharmacological treatments were associated with lower fatigue severity at the end of treatment (10 published completed trials, 600 participants, pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.29 to -0.31; I2 = 86%, p < 0.00001), but not at follow-up (265 participants, pooled SMD = -0.14, 95% CI: -0.38 to 0.10; I2 = 0, p = 0.51). However, these trials were small and had considerable risk of bias. Beneficial effects were seen in trials with low risk of bias on randomization, missing outcome data, and reporting bias. There were insufficient data on secondary outcomes for meta-analysis, but six trials reported improved quality of life.

CONCLUSION

There is insufficient evidence to support a particular pharmacological treatment for PSF, thus current clinical guidelines do not require amendment.

The Critical Period After Stroke Study (CPASS) Upper Extremity Treatment Protocol

Objective

To present the development of a novel upper extremity (UE) treatment and assess how it was delivered in the Critical Periods After Stroke Study (CPASS), a phase II randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Design

Secondary analysis of data from the RCT.

Setting

Inpatient and outpatient settings the first year after stroke.

Participants

Of the 72 participants enrolled in CPASS (N=72), 53 were in the study groups eligible to receive the treatment initiated at ≤30 days (acute), 2-3 months (subacute), or ≥6 months (chronic) poststroke. Individuals were 65.1±10.5 years of age, 55% were women, and had mild to moderate UE motor capacity (Action Research Arm Test=17.2±14.3) at baseline.

Intervention

The additional 20 hours of treatment began using the Activity Card Sort (ACS), a standardized assessment of activities and participation after stroke, to identify UE treatment goals selected by the participants that were meaningful to them. Treatment activities were broken down into smaller components from a standardized protocol and process that operationalized the treatments essential elements.

Main Outcome Measures

Feasibility of performing the treatment in a variety of clinical settings in an RCT and contextual factors that influenced adherence.

Results

A total of 49/53 participants fully adhered to the CPASS treatment. The duration and location of the treatment sessions and the UE activities practiced during therapy are presented for the total sample (n=49) and per study group as an assessment of feasibility and the contextual factors that influenced adherence.

Conclusions

The CPASS treatment and therapy goals were explicitly based on the meaningful activities identified by the participants using the ACS as a treatment planning tool. This approach provided flexibility to customize UE motor therapy without sacrificing standardization or quantification of the data regardless of the location and UE impairments of participants within the first year poststroke.

Measuring poststroke fatigue: The psychometric properties of the Chinese version of multidimensional fatigue inventory

OBJECTIVE

Poststroke fatigue (PSF) is a common and debilitating problem among stroke patients. Multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI) has been recommended to assess fatigue related to acquired brain injury. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of MFI among stroke patients.

METHODS

The study recruited 252 stroke patients in China. The internal consistency of the Chinese-version MFI was evaluated using Cronbach's α coefficients. The test-retest reliability was measured over a 5-day interval with intraclass correlation coefficient. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to analyze the construct validity. The concurrent validity of MFI was examined by calculating the Pearson's correlation coefficient between the scores of MFI and the fatigue assessment scale (FAS).

RESULTS

The exploratory factor analysis of the Chinese-version of MFI showed that it captured three dimensions of PSF, namely, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, and level of activity. The Chinese-version MFI demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency with Cronbach's α ranging from 0.83 (mental fatigue) to 0.91 (total scale). The Chinese-version MFI showed adequate test-retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.70 for the total scale, 0.69 for physical fatigue, 0.66 for mental fatigue, and 0.62 for level of activity. The concurrent validity of the Chinese-version MFI was demonstrated by a significant positive correlation (r=0.49, p <0.001) with FAS.

CONCLUSION

This study findings showed that Chinese-version MFI has adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and demonstrated its concurrent validity with FAS. The findings provide preliminary evidence of the three-factor structure of Chinese-version MFI by exploratory factor analysis.

The Moderating Role of Motivation in the Real-Time Associations of Fatigue, Cognitive Complaints, and Pain With Depressed Mood Among Stroke Survivors: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

OBJECTIVE

Stroke symptoms fluctuate during the day as stroke survivors participate in daily activities. Understanding the real-time associations among stroke symptoms and depressed mood, as well as the role of motivation for daily activities, informs, and post-stroke symptom management in the context of everyday living. This study aimed to (1) investigate the real-time associations of fatigue, cognitive complaints, and pain with depressed mood and (2) examine the role of motivation for daily activity participation as a potential moderator of these associations in stroke survivors.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study involving 7 days of ecological momentary assessment (EMA), during which participants completed 8 EMA surveys per day. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze data.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty community-dwelling stroke survivors (N=40).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

EMA measures of depressed mood, stroke symptoms (physical and mental fatigue, cognitive complaints, and pain), and motivation (autonomous motivation, controlled motivation).

RESULTS

Higher levels of within- and between-person physical fatigue, mental fatigue, cognitive complaints, and pain were momentarily associated with greater depressed mood (Ps<.001). Within-person autonomous motivation significantly buffered the momentary associations of physical fatigue (B=-0.06, P<.001), mental fatigue (B=-0.04, P=.032), and pain (B=-0.21, P<.001) with depressed mood.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate the momentary associations of fatigue, cognitive complaints, and pain with depressed mood in stroke survivors. Autonomous motivation underpinning daily activity participation was found to buffer the associations of fatigue and pain with depressed mood. Promoting autonomous motivation for daily activity participation may be viable for preventing and mitigating poststroke depression.

Awareness and support for post-stroke fatigue among medical professionals in the recovery phase rehabilitation ward

Sato M, Hyakuta T. Awareness and support for post-stroke fatigue among medical professionals in the recovery phase rehabilitation ward. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2023; 14: 39-48.

Objective

To clarify the level of awareness of and support for post-stroke fatigue among medical professionals working in recovery phase rehabilitation wards.

Methods

We conducted a questionnaire survey targeting all medical professionals (physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists) working in recovery phase rehabilitation wards of three facilities to evaluate their awareness of post-stroke fatigue and the support they were offering to address this. Quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis and free description data were subjected to content analysis.

Results

Of the 130 participants, we obtained responses from 94 (collection rate, 72.3%; valid response rate, 100%). Those who felt that post-stroke patients are always tired or tire easily comprised 63.8%. Those who acknowledged the importance of post-stroke fatigue as a problem and that it is an issue that must be addressed comprised 70.2% and 73.4%, respectively. Issues emerging due to post-stroke fatigue were extracted as follows: "Difficulty continuing with rehabilitation," "Decreased drive," "Difficulty with emotional control/depression," "Fewer interactions with others," and "Loss of goals." Support for post-stroke fatigue was offered by 57.4% of medical professionals, most commonly as individual support such as "Ensure rest." The effects of support were described as "Cannot say either way" (44.4%), with 3.7% noting that they were not very effective. Awareness and support rates among therapists were significantly higher than those among nurses.

Conclusions

Post-stroke fatigue is acknowledged by medical professionals as a critical issue that negatively influences the patient's physical, emotional, and daily living functions. Unfortunately, effective support is not currently being offered, demonstrating the need for the development of appropriate interventions.

Biological, Psychiatric, Psychosocial, and Cognitive Factors of Poststroke Depression

BACKGROUND

Depression is the most common psychiatric condition that occurs after cerebrovascular accident, especially within the first year after stroke. Poststroke depression (PSD) may occur due to environmental factors such as functional limitations in daily activities, lower quality of life, or biological factors such as damage to areas in the brain involved in emotion regulation. Although many factors are hypothesized to increase the risk of PSD, the relative contribution of these factors is not well understood.

PURPOSE

We evaluated which cross-sectional variables were associated with increased odds of PSD in our adult outpatient stroke neuropsychology clinic population.

METHODS

The sample included 325 patients (49.2% female; mean age of 59-years old) evaluated at an average of 8.1 months after an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Variables included in logistic regression were stroke characteristics, demographics, psychosocial factors, comorbid medical problems, comorbid psychiatric conditions, and cognitive status. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory was used to determine DSM-defined PSD and anxiety disorders. A standard neuropsychological test battery was administered.

RESULTS

PSD occurred in 30.8% of the sample. Logistic regression indicated that increased odds of PSD were associated with a comorbid anxiety disorder (5.9 times more likely to suffer from PSD, p < 0.001). Further, increased odds of PSD were associated with a history of depression treatment before stroke (3.0 times more likely to suffer from PSD), fatigue (2.8 times more likely), memory impairment (2.4 times more likely), and younger age at stroke (all p values < 0.006).

DISCUSSION

Results suggest that PSD is likely multifactorial and extends the literature by demonstrating that a comorbid anxiety disorder correlated strongest with PSD. Poststroke screening and treatment plans should address not only depression but comorbid anxiety.

Is Cardiorespiratory Fitness Independently Associated with Fatigue in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke?

Fatigue is a common complaint and a disabling symptom among patients following transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. In patients with stroke, decreased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is believed to be related to increased severity of post-stroke fatigue (PSF). However, this association between PSF and CRF in patients with TIA or minor stroke has been less investigated, and currently there is no proven treatment for PSF. We aimed to determine the association between PSF and CRF in patients with TIA or minor stroke and to find out whether this association was distorted by confounders. A cross-sectional association study was conducted among a total of 119 patients with TIA or minor stroke. PSF was measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and CRF was quantified by maximal exercise capacity (V̇O2max). The FSS showed a significant association with V̇O2max (ß = −0.061, SE: 0.022; p = 0.007). This association was confounded by anxiety (ß = −0.044, SE: 0.020; p = 0.028) and depression (ß = −0.030, SE: 0.022; p = 0.177) as measured by the subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). After controlling for HADS scores on depression and anxiety, the univariate relationship between V̇O2max and FSS was no longer significant. These results suggest that the association between PSF and CRF in patients with TIA or minor stroke is weak and significantly confounded by the factors of depression and anxiety.

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in Patients Suffering From Acute Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Results From an Outpatient Post-ICU Aftercare Clinic

Introduction Survivors of an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) may suffer from a long-term neurological disability, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression, which can also be related to post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of PICS symptoms in post-intensive care (ICU) aftercare aSAH patients. Methods We conducted an observational cohort study in aSAH patients from a post-ICU aftercare clinic (ICU-AC). PICS symptoms were evaluated using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and a medical questionnaire for physical and cognitive functioning. Results A total of 110 patients were included. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms was 23.6% and 19.1%, respectively. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was seen in 26.4%. Cognitive complaints were lack of concentration (63.6%), short-term memory loss (45.8%), and reduced speed of thinking (60.9%). The most reported physical complaints were fatigue (73.6%), limitations in daily activity (72.7%), muscle weakness (41.8%), pain (36.4%), and weight loss (30.9%). PICS symptoms related to all three domains were present in 30% of patients. Conclusion The prevalence of PICS in patients after aSAH is high. Even in patients without aSAH-related neurological impairment who were discharged home, a high prevalence of PICS symptoms was reported. Early screening for PICS should comprise all three domains and is important to facilitate a better tailored rehabilitation of these patients.

A systematic review and synthesis of global stroke guidelines on behalf of the World Stroke Organization

BACKGROUND

There are multiple stroke guidelines globally. To synthesize these and summarize what existing stroke guidelines recommend about the management of people with stroke, the World Stroke Organization (WSO) Guideline committee, under the auspices of the WSO, reviewed available guidelines.

AIMS

To systematically review the literature to identify stroke guidelines (excluding primary stroke prevention and subarachnoid hemorrhage) since 1 January 2011, evaluate quality (The international Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation (AGREE II)), tabulate strong recommendations, and judge applicability according to stroke care available (minimal, essential, advanced).

SUMMARY OF REVIEW

Searches identified 15,400 titles; 911 texts were retrieved, 200 publications scrutinized by the three subgroups (acute, secondary prevention, rehabilitation), and recommendations extracted from most recent version of relevant guidelines. For acute treatment, there were more guidelines about ischemic stroke than intracerebral hemorrhage; recommendations addressed pre-hospital, emergency, and acute hospital care. Strong recommendations were made for reperfusion therapies for acute ischemic stroke. For secondary prevention, strong recommendations included establishing etiological diagnosis; management of hypertension, weight, diabetes, lipids, and lifestyle modification; and for ischemic stroke, management of atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, left ventricular and atrial thrombi, patent foramen ovale, atherosclerotic extracranial large vessel disease, intracranial atherosclerotic disease, and antithrombotics in non-cardioembolic stroke. For rehabilitation, there were strong recommendations for organized stroke unit care, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, task-specific training, fitness training, and specific interventions for post-stroke impairments. Most recommendations were from high-income countries, and most did not consider comorbidity, resource implications, and implementation. Patient and public involvement was limited.

CONCLUSION

The review identified a number of areas of stroke care where there was strong consensus. However, there was extensive repetition and redundancy in guideline recommendations. Future guideline groups should consider closer collaboration to improve efficiency, include more people with lived experience in the development process, consider comorbidity, and advise on implementation.

Development of a tailored intervention targeting sedentary behavior and physical activity in people with stroke and diabetes: A qualitative study using a co-creation framework

Purpose

Type 2 diabetes and sedentary behavior pose serious health risks in stroke survivors. Using a co-creation framework, this study aimed to develop an intervention in collaboration with stroke survivors with type 2 diabetes, relatives, and cross-sectoral health care professionals to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity.

Materials and methods

This qualitative explorative study used a co-creation framework consisting of a workshop and focus group interviews with stroke survivors with type 2 diabetes (n = 3), relative (n = 1), and health care professionals (n = 10) to develop the intervention. A content analysis was used to analyze data.

Results

The developed "Everyday Life is Rehabilitation" (ELiR) intervention consisted of a tailored 12-week home-based behavior change intervention with two consultations of action planning, goal setting, motivational interviewing, and fatigue management including education on sedentary behavior, physical activity, and fatigue. The intervention has a minimalistic setup using a double-page paper "Everyday Life is Rehabilitation" (ELiR) instrument making it implementable and tangible.

Conclusions

In this study, a theoretical framework was used to develop a tailored 12-week home-based behavior change intervention. Strategies to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity through activities of daily living along with fatigue management in stroke survivors with type 2 diabetes were identified.

Personalized Biomarkers and Neuropsychological Status Can Predict Post-Stroke Fatigue

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common complication of stroke that has a negative impact on prognosis and recovery. We aimed to investigate the relationship between PSF and demographics, mood disorders, sleep disorders, and other clinical characteristics of patients with stroke. In this exploratory cross-sectional study, we collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, biological indicators, and imaging features and evaluated patients using neuropsychological scales. Patients were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were primarily used to evaluate infarctions and white matter lesions. The correlation between the PSF of patients with stroke and clinical indicators was obtained by logistic regression analysis and power analysis. We observed an independent association between fatigue severity and female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-3.94), depressive state (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.01-1.73), and sleep disorders (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.01-1.98). High levels of blood glucose, serum uric acid, and homocysteine and low levels of serum triiodothyronine were strongly associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with stroke. Further studies are needed to elucidate how specific structural lesions and anxiety symptoms are related to early PSF.

Disruptions in Structural and Functional Connectivity Relate to Poststroke Fatigue

Introduction: Poststroke fatigue (PSF) is a disabling condition with unclear etiology. The brain lesion is thought to be an important causal factor in PSF, although focal lesion characteristics such as size and location have not proven to be predictive. Given that the stroke lesion results not only in focal tissue death but also in widespread changes in brain networks that are structurally and functionally connected to damaged tissue, we hypothesized that PSF relates to disruptions in structural and functional connectivity. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients who incurred an ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory 1-3 years prior, and currently experiencing a range of fatigue severity, were enrolled. The patients underwent structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The structural MRI data were used to measure structural disconnection of gray matter resulting from lesion to white matter pathways. The functional MRI data were used to measure network functional connectivity. Results: The patients showed structural disconnection in varying cortical and subcortical regions. Fatigue severity correlated significantly with structural disconnection of several frontal cortex regions in the ipsilesional (IL) and contralesional hemispheres. Fatigue-related structural disconnection was most severe in the IL rostral middle frontal cortex. Greater structural disconnection of a subset of fatigue-related frontal cortex regions, including the IL rostral middle frontal cortex, trended toward correlating significantly with greater loss in functional connectivity. Among identified fatigue-related frontal cortex regions, only the IL rostral middle frontal cortex showed loss in functional connectivity correlating significantly with fatigue severity. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that loss in structural and functional connectivity of bihemispheric frontal cortex regions plays a role in PSF after MCA stroke, with connectivity disruptions of the IL rostral middle frontal cortex having a central role. Impact statement Poststroke fatigue (PSF) is a common disabling condition with unclear etiology. We hypothesized that PSF relates to disruptions in structural and functional connectivity secondary to the focal lesion. Using structural and resting-state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with chronic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke, we found frontal cortex regions in the ipsilesional (IL) and contralesional hemispheres with greater structural disconnection correlating with greater fatigue. Among these fatigue-related cortices, the IL rostral middle frontal cortex showed loss in functional connectivity correlating with fatigue. These findings suggest that disruptions in structural and functional connectivity play a role in PSF after MCA stroke.

Palliative care after stroke survival

Stroke is a leading cause of both death and disability worldwide. While most research has focused on the first hours to days after acute stroke, much less is known about the experience of patients and their families living after a stroke. Stroke survivors have a high burden of physical and psychological symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and depression that are often not addressed in the postacute setting. Similarly, goals-of-care conversations that may have started during the acute hospitalization are often not followed up later. This chapter outlines the prevalence and management of common poststroke symptoms, approaches to postacute goals-of-care conversations, family needs after stroke, and provides an overview of stroke-specific hospice and end-of-life care aspects. We emphasize the need for research in each of these areas.

A Mobile Phone Text Messaging Intervention to Manage Fatigue for People With Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, and Stroke: Development and Usability Testing

BACKGROUND

Fatigue significantly affects daily functioning in persons with disabilities. Fatigue management can be challenging, and the information provided during routine physician visits to manage fatigue can be overwhelming. One way to address fatigue is to increase knowledge, skills, and confidence for self-management (ie, patient activation). Self-management programs have shown promising effects in targeting fatigue in persons with disabilities. However, satisfaction with self-management programs is low for persons with disabilities, and tailoring interventions to personalized needs has been recommended. SMS text messaging is increasingly being used to implement health behavior change interventions in a person's natural environment. Little has been done to link mobile health approaches with patient activation and self-management to address fatigue in persons with disabilities.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop and test a mobile phone-based fatigue self-management SMS text messaging intervention targeting patient activation in 3 groups of persons with disabilities: persons with multiple sclerosis, persons who had a stroke, and persons with a spinal cord injury.

METHODS

We used evidence-based resources and input from a consumer advisory board (CAB; composed of 2 participants from each of the 3 disability groups) and a neurologist to develop the intervention. The study was conducted using a 4-step process: development of the initial SMS text messaging library and categorization of the content into 9 content areas, review and modification of the SMS text messages by the neurologist and CAB, integration of the content library into a digital platform, and utility testing by CAB members.

RESULTS

A total of 6 CAB participants rated SMS text messages covering 9 domain areas of fatigue self-management with good clarity (mean ratings=3.5-5.0 out of 5) and relevance (mean ratings=3.2-5.0 out of 5). Overall, SMS text messaging content was reported by CAB participants as helpful, clear, and well suited for a mobile health intervention. The CAB reached consensus on the time of day that SMS text messages should be sent (morning) and their frequency (once per day). This feedback led the research team to narrow down the program to deliver 48 SMS text messages, 1 per day, Monday through Thursday only, a total of 4 SMS text messages per week, over a 12-week period. The final set of SMS text messages was programmed into a digital platform with a predefined delivery schedule. The usability of the intervention was high, with 55 (83%) out of 66 responses endorsing the highest rating.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a step-by-step process for developing a fatigue self-management SMS text messaging intervention for persons with disabilities. For this population, whose access to health services is often limited, this intervention provides an alternative delivery model to increase access to fatigue information and deliver content that aligns with the person's needs.

The Effect of Listening to Quran Recitation on Score of Post-Stroke Fatigue in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

BACKGROUND: One of the common stroke complications is post-stroke fatigue (PSF) with the prevalence of 25–85%. PSF influences health-related quality of life, disability, dependence in daily activities, ability to return to work, and case fatality rate of stroke patients. Listening to Quran recitation can increase alpha waves in the brain, reduce stress and inflammatory biomarkers. AIM: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of listening to Quran recitation on PSF and find out the mean Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) score in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: This was an experimental study with one-group pretest-posttest design. Sixteen subjects were recruited by consecutive sampling in Sultan Agung Islamic Hospital, Semarang. The FAS score was assessed on the 1st day of study, then Quran recitation was played 2 sessions a day, 15 min/session, for 5 days. The FAS score was reassessed on the last day. The study was conducted from August to September 2021. The analysis test used was paired t-test. RESULTS: The results showed a significant relationship between listening to Quran recitation with changes in FAS score in acute ischemic stroke patients (p < 0.05). Most of the subjects were <65 years old, male, had hypertension, did not have DM, and did not smoke. CONCLUSION: Listening to Quran recitation had an effect on changes in FAS score.

Online advice for the symptomatic management of post-stroke fatigue: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Limited medical evidence for managing post-stroke fatigue leads stroke survivors to seek information through other sources. This scoping review aimed to identify and assess the range and quality of web-based recommendations for managing post-stroke fatigue.

METHODS

Publicly accessible websites providing advice for post-stroke fatigue management were considered for review using the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology. Using the search term "fatigue stroke", the first two pages of results from each search engine (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) were assessed against predetermined criteria. Findings were reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR checklist. Quality and readability were also assessed.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven websites were identified; 16 primary and 11 linked websites met the inclusion criteria and demonstrated moderate to high quality and high readability. Primary websites were curated by non-government organizations (n = 10/16), companies (n = 4/16) or were media and blog websites (n = 2/16). Additional resources were provided on linked websites. All websites provided non-pharmacological advice, with four also describing pharmacological management. Many websites included advice related to physical activity modification (n = 18/27) and energy conservation strategies (e.g. activity prioritization, planning, pacing) (n = 26/27). Direction to seek health professional advice appeared frequently (n = 16/27).

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of publicly available web-based advice for people with post-stroke fatigue was moderate to high in most websites, with high readability. Energy conservation strategies and physical activity modification appear frequently. The general nature of the advice provided on most websites is supported by direction to healthcare professionals (i.e., clinical referral) who may assist in the practical individualization of strategies for managing post-stroke fatigue.

State of the Science: The Relevance of Symptoms in Cardiovascular Disease and Research: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Symptoms of cardiovascular disease drive health care use and are a major contributor to quality of life. Symptoms are of fundamental significance not only to the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and appraisal of response to medical therapy but also directly to patients' daily lives. The primary purpose of this scientific statement is to present the state of the science and relevance of symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease. Symptoms as patient-reported outcomes are reviewed in terms of the genesis, manifestation, and similarities or differences between diagnoses. Specifically, symptoms associated with acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, valvular disorders, stroke, rhythm disorders, and peripheral vascular disease are reviewed. Secondary aims include (1) describing symptom measurement methods in research and application in clinical practice and (2) describing the importance of cardiovascular disease symptoms in terms of clinical events and other patient-reported outcomes as applicable.

Fatigue 7 years post-stroke: Predictors and correlated features

Background

Post‐stroke fatigue (PSF) is common with great impact on quality of life. We explored predictive and cross‐sectionally correlated features in the long term after ischemic stroke.

Methods

This study comprises 430 participants of the prospective Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke (SAHLSIS), aged 18–69 years at index stroke. Information on acute stroke severity and cardiovascular risk factors was collected at index stroke. After 7 years, PSF was assessed by the Daily Fatigue Impact Scale (D‐FIS). Cognitive, neurological, and functional outcomes, and symptoms of depression and anxiety, pain, insomnia, and physical activity were also assessed. Associations between baseline variables and PSF were analyzed by ordinal regression. Correlations between PSF and cross‐sectionally assessed variables, and between PSF and baseline variables, were analyzed with Spearman's or point‐biserial correlation for the whole sample and in sex‐stratified analyses.

Results

At 7 years post‐stroke, 80% of the participants reported some impact of fatigue. Female sex and stroke severity were independently associated with PSF, whereas no associations were detected with baseline cardiovascular risk factors. In cross‐sectional analyses at 7 years, we found correlations between PSF and poor functional, neurological, and cognitive outcomes, as well as depressive symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and low physical activity (p < .001 throughout). The correlation with insomnia was stronger in women than in men (two‐way ANOVA interaction test, p = .03).

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that PSF is common in the long term after ischemic stroke and show a complex interplay with sex and several other outcomes. Future studies should address causal relationships and interventions towards fatigue and coexisting features.

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

OBJECTIVE

To test the feasibility of a telephone delivered intervention, informed by cognitive behavioural principles, for post-stroke fatigue, and estimated its effect on fatigue and other outcomes.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled parallel group trial.

SETTING

Three Scottish stroke services.

SUBJECTS

Stroke survivors with fatigue three months to two years post-stroke onset.

INTERVENTIONS

Seven telephone calls (fortnightly then a 'booster session' at 16 weeks) of a manualised intervention, plus information about fatigue, versus information only.

MAIN MEASURES

Feasibility of trial methods, and collected outcome measures (fatigue, mood, anxiety, social participation, quality of life, return to work) just before randomisation, at the end of treatment (four months after randomisation) and at six months after randomisation.

RESULTS

Between October 2018 and January 2020, we invited 886 stroke survivors to participate in postal screening: 188/886 (21%) returned questionnaires and consented, of whom 76/188 (40%) were eligible and returned baseline forms; 64/76 (84%) returned six month follow-up questionnaires. Of the 39 allocated the intervention, 23 (59%) attended at least four sessions. At six months, there were no significant differences between the groups (adjusted mean differences in Fatigue Assessment Scale -0.619 (95% CI -4.9631, 3.694; p = 0.768), the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 -0.178 (95% CI -3.823, 3.467, p = 0.92), and the Patient Health Questionnaire -0.247 (95% CI -2.935, 2.442, p = 0.851). There were no between-group differences in quality of life, social participation or return to work.

CONCLUSION

Patients can be recruited to a trial of this design. These data will inform the design of further trials in post-stroke fatigue.

Theory-Based Self-Management Interventions for Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

IMPORTANCE

Self-management is a critical component of stroke rehabilitation. A better understanding of the use of theory and behavior change techniques (BCTs) informs the development of more effective stroke self-management interventions.

OBJECTIVE

To examine what theories and BCTs have been applied in stroke self-management interventions; investigate the extent to which these interventions encourage implementation of behavior changes; and appraise their effectiveness to enhance self-efficacy, quality of life, and functional independence.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to May 26, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA COLLECTION

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in six databases were reviewed for inclusion and analysis. We included trials that involved community-dwelling adult stroke survivors, assessed the effectiveness of self-management interventions, and explicitly mentioned the use of theory in the development of the intervention. We assessed use of theory and BCTs using the Theory Coding Scheme and BCT taxonomy v1, respectively.

FINDINGS

A total of 3,049 studies were screened, and 13 RCTs were included. The predominant theory and BCT categories were Social Cognitive Theory (7 studies) and goals and planning (12 studies), respectively. Significant and small effect sizes were found for self-efficacy (0.27) and functional independence (0.19).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Theory-based self-management interventions have the potential to enhance stroke outcomes. Systematic reporting on the use of theory and BCTs is recommended to enhance clarity and facilitate evaluations of future interventions. What This Article Adds: This review supports and guides occupational therapy practitioners to use theory-based self-management intervention as a routine part of stroke rehabilitation to improve stroke survivors' experience in the community.

How do stroke survivors and their caregivers manage post-stroke fatigue? A qualitative study

Objectives

The primary objective was to gain insight into the lived experiences of using day-to-day strategies to manage post-stroke fatigue.

Design

Qualitative, descriptive study.

Setting

Community telephone interviews.

Participants

A purposive sample of 20 stroke survivors with current, or previous, post-stroke fatigue, and 8 caregivers, who provided informal care or support, were recruited.

Main Measures

Semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken. Data were analysed using a framework approach.

Results

Most participants had found their own ways of coping and their personal strategies included acceptance of having fatigue; ‘pacing’ (spreading activities out and interspersing with rest periods); keeping a diary in order to plan activities and to identify ‘trigger’ activities which induced fatigue; talking to (and educating) others about having fatigue; using relaxation; and accessing professional advice and support. The burden placed on caregivers was considerable and they often had to oversee the post-stroke fatigue management strategies used.

Conclusions

Post-stroke fatigue is managed in different ways and there was not one particular strategy that seemed effective for everyone. Most people in our study had had to devise their own ways of coping practically. Given the scale of this problem, which profoundly impacts the lives of both stroke survivors and caregivers, the management of post-stroke fatigue merits more attention and evaluation. However, this must be directly informed by those with lived experience.

Adaptation to poststroke fatigue in stroke survivors and their care partners: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Fatigue is a long-term symptom for stroke survivors. This scoping review synthesized how survivors achieve fatigue adaptation.

METHODS

Four databases were searched for studies between 2012 and 2021. Qualitative studies or qualitative findings from mixed-methods studies were included if they described survivors' experiences with fatigue and/or care partners' experiences in helping survivors adapt to fatigue. Studies were excluded if they were poster abstracts, reviews, or editorials.

RESULTS

Thirty-six articles were analyzed. Survivors with fatigue described different adaptive challenges - fatigue made them less productive, brought emotional distress, and was indiscernible to others. To respond to these challenges, stroke survivors did adaptive work including conserving energy, changing mindset, and restructuring normality. Care partners, employers, and colleagues showed adaptive leadership by adjusting daily routines or role responsibilities. Most survivors described that the current clinical practice did not meet their needs to address fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke survivors had many types of challenges and strategies for fatigue adaptation. Survivors received family, employer, and colleague support but how care partners help survivors develop new skills is unknown. Stroke survivors expressed that healthcare professionals need to teach survivors and care partners basic knowledge of fatigue that meet their personal needs and provide adaptive interventions for survivors. Implications for rehabilitationThe challenges of poststroke fatigue are multifaceted because fatigue influences stroke survivors' physical, cognitive, mental, and social aspects of recovery.Stroke survivors need support from their care partners such as helping them adapt to the fatigue, adapt to new life routine, and adjust role responsibilities.Healthcare professionals, stroke survivors, and care partners need to work together to develop strategies about poststroke fatigue that meet stroke survivors' personal needs.

“I Give It Everything for an Hour Then I Sleep for Four.” The Experience of Post-stroke Fatigue During Outpatient Rehabilitation Including the Perspectives of Carers: A Qualitative Study

Background

Fatigue is a debilitating post-stroke symptom negatively impacting rehabilitation. Lack of acknowledgment from carers can be additionally distressing. The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of post-stroke fatigue during outpatient rehabilitation, including the perspectives of carers.

Methods

This qualitative study was guided by descriptive phenomenology within a constructivist paradigm. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stroke survivors experiencing fatigue (Fatigue Assessment Scale >23) and attending outpatient rehabilitation. Carers were also interviewed where identified, providing insight into their own and stroke survivor experiences. Data were analyzed according to Colaizzi's analytic method.

Results

Fourteen stroke survivors (50% culturally and linguistically diverse), and nine carers participated. Six themes were identified: 1. The unpredictable and unprepared uncovering of fatigue; 2. Experience and adjustment are personal 3. Being responsible for self-managing fatigue; 4. The complex juggle of outpatient stroke rehabilitation with fatigue; 5. Learning about fatigue is a self-directed problem-solving experience; 6. Family and carers can support or constrain managing fatigue.

Conclusion

Despite engaging in outpatient rehabilitation, stroke survivors largely learnt to manage fatigue independent of healthcare professionals. Carers often facilitated learning, monitoring rehabilitation, daily routines and fatigue exacerbation. Conversely, family could be dismissive of fatigue and possess unrealistic expectations. Post-stroke fatigue must be considered by clinicians when delivering outpatient rehabilitation to stroke survivors. Clinicians should consistently screen for fatigue, provide flexible session scheduling, and educate about individual indicators and strategies for management. Clinicians should also explicitly engage carers who play a critical role in the management of fatigue.

Psychological Outcome after Hemorrhagic Stroke is Related to Functional Status

BACKGROUND

To identify opportunities to improve morbidity after hemorrhagic stroke, it is imperative to understand factors that are related to psychological outcome.

DESIGN/METHODS

We prospectively identified patients with non-traumatic hemorrhagic stroke (intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage) between January 2015 and February 2021 who were alive 3-months after discharge and telephonically assessed 1) psychological outcome using the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders anxiety, depression, emotional and behavioral dyscontrol, fatigue and sleep disturbance inventories and 2) functional outcome using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index. We also identified discharge destination for all patients. We then evaluated the relationship between abnormal psychological outcomes (T-score >50) and discharge destination other than home, poor 3-month mRS score defined as 3-5 and poor 3-month Barthel Index defined as <100.

RESULTS

73 patients were included; 41 (56%) had an abnormal psychological outcome on at least one inventory. There were 41 (56%) patients discharged to a destination other than home, 44 (63%) with poor mRS score and 28 (39%) with poor Barthel Index. Anxiety, depression, emotional and behavioral dyscontrol and sleep disturbance were all associated with a destination other than home, poor mRS score, and poor Barthel Index (all p<0.05). Fatigue was related to poor mRS score and poor Barthel Index (p=0.005 and p=0.006, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Multiple psychological outcomes 3-months after hemorrhagic stroke are related to functional status. Interventions to improve psychological outcome and reduce morbidity in patients with poor functional status should be explored by the interdisciplinary team.

UK clinical approaches to address post-stroke fatigue: findings from The Nottingham Fatigue after Stroke study

Background/Aims

Although post-stroke is common and debilitating, there is little published research on how it is managed by clinicians. The aim of this study was to document UK management of post-stroke fatigue and ascertain whether there are any differences in its management compared to fatigue arising from other conditions.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was used with allied health professionals, psychologists, doctors and nurses working clinically in hospitals, the community or both, who routinely provided information, management or treatment to patients with fatigue. Questionnaires were designed and underwent pilot testing. Recruitment was conducted using healthcare professional networks, professional and condition special interest groups and social media, snowballing and personal emails targeting key professional experts.

Results

A total of 305 questionnaires were analysed; the majority of responses were from occupational therapists (56%, n=171). Although there were different opinions about whether post-stroke fatigue was the same as fatigue resulting from other conditions, the strategies suggested for both were similar. Post-stroke management included pacing (67%, n=204), which is spreading activities out during the day or week, keeping a fatigue diary (39%, n=119) and education (38%, n=117). There were variations in how support was offered, and marked variations in length of follow up; some services were flexible and could retain patients for up to 18 months, while others offered one session and no follow up.

Conclusions

People with post-stroke fatigue and fatigue arising from other conditions experience different levels of support to manage their fatigue, but the main strategies used in management are similar.

Occupational Therapy Interventions for Poststroke Fatigue: A Scoping Review

Introduction:

Fatigue after stroke can negatively affect the survivors’ well-being. Despite the high prevalence and consequences of poststroke fatigue (PSF), there is no specific guidance for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to address this symptom.

Objectives:

The objectives of the study were to identify and describe the research on potential occupational therapy (OT) interventions for PSF.

Method:

Three databases were searched using scoping review methodology. Two authors completed a title and abstract and full-text review. Study characteristics, participant characteristics, qualities of interventions, and outcome measures were extracted and synthesized.

Results:

Eight studies met selection criteria. Studies were conducted with stroke and traumatic brain injury patients in outpatient, inpatient, and community settings. Interventions included psychoeducation and behavior change, multicomponent programs, and mindfulness-based stress reduction therapies. The Fatigue Severity Scale and the Mental Fatigue Scale were commonly used.

Conclusion:

Evidence for OT interventions targeting PSF is limited. Recommendations for future research are provided.

The association of personality traits with poststroke fatigue in daily life: An exploratory experience sampling method and cross-sectional study

Fatigue is a frequently occurring and persistent symptom after stroke. Many biological, psychosocial, and behavioural factors are associated with poststroke fatigue, but research into associations with personality traits is relatively sparse. In this study, we explored whether personality traits were related to poststroke fatigue measured with conventional fatigue questionnaires as well as experience sampling methodology (ESM). Twenty-four individuals with stroke completed 10 daily questionnaires about momentary (here-and-now) fatigue for six consecutive days using the mHealth ESM application PsyMate^TM. Further, they completed questionnaires assessing personality (NEO-FFI and LOR-T) and fatigue (FSS). Results showed that higher extraversion (ß = -.44, SE = .12, p = .001; 95% CI = -.67-.19) and optimism (ß = -.18, SE = .06, p = .007; 95% CI = -.30-.05) were associated with lower momentary fatigue. No association was found between neuroticism and momentary fatigue, but higher neuroticism (r = 0.531, p = .008, 95% CI = .160-.759; r = .574, p = .003, 95% CI = .245-.767) was associated with higher scores on the retrospective FSS scales. We conclude that personality traits differentially influence poststroke fatigue, but this also depends on the way fatigue is measured (with retrospective or with momentary measures). When functional gains are not in line with expected progress during the rehabilitation treatment of fatigue, it may be appropriate to take into account how person characteristics are related to momentary fatigue.

Promising results from a residential rehabilitation intervention focused on fatigue and the secondary psychological and physical consequences of cardiac arrest: The SCARF feasibility study

AIMS

This study investigated the feasibility and potential effect of SCARF (Survivors of Cardiac ARest focused on Fatigue) a multidisciplinary residential rehabilitation intervention focused on fatigue and the secondary psychological and physical consequences of cardiac arrest (CA).

METHODS

This was a prospective one-armed feasibility study. Six progression criteria were identified related to the feasibility of the intervention and viability of a future effect study in terms of: participant recruitment (1), participant retention (2,3,4), and completeness of outcomes (5,6). Data on participant/clinician satisfaction with the intervention was also collected along with self-reported outcomes: fatigue, quality of life, anxiety, depression, function and disability, and physical activity (at baseline, 12 weeks and 6 months) and physical capacity (baseline and 12 weeks).

RESULTS

Four progression criteria were met including retention (87.5%) and completion of baseline outcomes (97.5%). Two criteria were not met: recruitment rate was 2.9 participants per month (estimated rate needed 6.1) and completion of final outcomes was 65% (estimated proportion needed 75%). Participant/clinician satisfaction with the intervention was high. Three months after the SCARF intervention small to moderate effect size changes of r=0.18-0.46 were found for self-reported fatigue, quality of life, anxiety, depression and disability and for two of the physical capacity tests (d=0.46-0.52).

CONCLUSION

SCARF was found to be a feasible intervention with high participant/clinician satisfaction, high participant retention and the possible potential to improve self-reported and physical capacity outcomes. Procedures for study recruitment and collection of final outcomes should be modified before a fully powered randomised controlled trial is conducted.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Herbal Medicine Buyang Huanwu Tang in Patients with Poststroke Fatigue

Poststroke fatigue (PSF) is reported to occur in 30%–72% of all patients with stroke. PSF not only is a symptom of stroke but has also been reported to adversely affect the prognosis of patients with stroke. However, no treatment has had a significant effect on PSF. In East Asian countries, several herbal medicines have been used to treat stroke, with Buyang Huanwu Tang (BHT) being the most common. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BHT for PSF. A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Scopus, CiNii, CNKI, OASIS, NDSL, and KTKP databases for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects and safety of BHT on PSF. Six studies (n = 427) were included. The overall methodological quality of these studies was relatively low. In the adjunctive BHT group, the meta-analysis indicated statistically significant improvements in the Fatigue Severity Scale score (mean difference −1.49, 95% CI [−2.25, −0.73]) and total clinical efficacy rate (risk ratio 0.11, 95% CI [0.03, 0.41]) compared to those in the nonherbal group. Adverse events were only reported in one study, and no serious adverse events occurred. BHT administration might be effective in the treatment of PSF. We were unable to draw definitive conclusions owing to the limitations of the included studies. The trial is registered with CRD42019130178 in PROSPERO.