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Sleep and Motor Learning in Stroke

Recruiting
Conditions
Stroke
Registration Number
NCT05746260
Lead Sponsor
University of Oxford
Brief Summary

This study will explore whether sleep disruption in the sub-acute phase of stroke explains variation in clinical motor outcomes, and whether this relationship is mediated by variation in behavioural measures of overnight consolidation.

Detailed Description

Rehabilitation of movement after stroke depends on motor learning. Motor learning involves not only improvement during practice but also improvement between sessions, known as consolidation of learning. Consolidation of learning depends on good sleep quality. However, there is growing evidence that sleep is disrupted after stroke, and it was recently shown that patients with poorer sleep show slower recovery of function and worse motor outcomes. This might occur because sleep disruption impairs consolidation directly or might reflect other factors that influence both sleep and clinical outcomes. This study aims to test whether the relationship between sleep disruption and clinical outcomes after stroke depends on consolidation of motor learning.

In people with stroke affecting the upper limb, the investigators will (1) test whether sleep measures in the sub-acute phase explains variation in clinical motor outcomes, taking into account recovery potential (as per the PREP2 algorithm(Predict REcovery Potential; www.presto.auckland.ac.nz)), demographic factors (age and sex) and other covariates as required (e.g. stroke severity, presence of sleep disorders, mood, physical activity), and (2) test whether this relationship is mediated by variation in behavioural measures of overnight motor consolidation.

The design is a longitudinal observational study. Participants will be recruited within 1 month of stroke onset from stroke wards. At baseline (≤ 1 month post-stroke), the investigators will use the PREP2 algorithm (www.presto.auckland.ac.nz) to ascertain expected upper limb recovery potential. This involves an assessment of arm movement and, for some participants, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to assess corticospinal tract integrity. The investigators will also record participant demographics, stroke severity (National Institute for Health Stroke Scale; NIHSS), and medications.

At approximately 1 month post-stroke the investigators will obtain sleep measures (actigraphy, electroencephalography, and questionnaires), assess mood (questionnaire) and test for motor consolidation (using an upper limb motor learning task). The investigators will also record medications, stroke severity (modified Rankin Scale questionnaire), and assess the possible presence of sleep disorders (sleep screening questionnaires), physical activity (actigraphy). The investigators will collect information about how much, if any, motor rehabilitation and sleep therapy the participants have received (questionnaire).

At 6 months post-stroke the investigators will obtain sleep measures (actigraphy, and questionnaire) and assess motor outcomes (upper limb ability, whole body motor impairment, hand dexterity, and mobility). The investigators will also record medications and assess mood (questionnaire), stroke severity (modified Rankin Scale questionnaire), physical activity (actigraphy), and information about how much, if any, motor rehabilitation and sleep therapy the participants have had (questionnaire).

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
150
Inclusion Criteria
  • Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study OR a positive opinion from a consultee is provided by a family member or carer (relative or friend) willing to provide personal consultee (PC) advice
  • Aged 18 years or above
  • Within 1 month of onset of stroke affecting the upper limb as confirmed by clinical diagnosis
Exclusion Criteria
  • Other neurological condition affecting movement (such as Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis)

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Symptoms of insomnia at 1-month1 month post-stroke

Assessed using the Sleep Condition Indicator, a questionnaire assessing self-reported insomnia symptoms (range 0-32, higher scores indicate fewer symptoms of insomnia)

Sleep fragmentation at 1-month1 month post-stroke

Assessed using actigraphy (wearable activity monitor) over 7-nights (more fragmentation indicates worse sleep).

Upper limb ability6 month post-stroke

Assessed using the Action Research Arm Test (range 0-57, higher score indicates better upper limb ability)

Behavioural motor consolidation1 month post-stroke

Assessed as change in motor performance on a sequential button pressing task (movement time, in seconds) from training to retest

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Estimated Total Sleep Time1 and 6 months post-stroke

Assessed using actigraphy (wearable activity monitor) over 7-nights

Wake After Sleep Onset1 and 6 months post-stroke

Assessed using actigraphy (wearable activity monitor) over 7-nights (higher amount of wake after sleep onset indicates worse sleep)

Symptoms of insomnia at 6-months6 months post-stroke

Assessed using the Sleep Condition Indicator, a questionnaire assessing self-reported insomnia symptoms (range 0-32, higher scores indicate fewer symptoms of insomnia)

Whole body motor impairment6 months post-stroke

Assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, range 0-100 (higher score indicates better functional mobility)

Hand dexterity6 months post-stroke

Assessed using the Nine Hole Peg Test, scored as the number of pegs placed in 30 seconds (greater number of pegs indicates better hand dexterity)

Mobility6 months post-stroke

Assessed using the Rivermead Mobility Index, range 0-15 (higher score indicates better functional mobility)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN)

🇬🇧

Oxford, United Kingdom

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