The Improvement in Pulse Wave Velocity and Its Correlation With Clinical Outcomes in Subacute Stroke Patients Following Rehabilitation

Objectives： The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes in baPWV after four weeks of intensive rehabilitation therapy, and the correlation between these changes and functional recovery.

Background： Arterial stiffness, increasing with age, is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic diseases and a predictor of mortality from various causes, including symptomatic strokes. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a reliable measure of arterial stiffness, correlates with cardiovascular events and mortality risk. Clinical improvements post-ischemic stroke align with a decrease in PWV, emphasizing arterial stiffness's role in recovery. Previous studies indicate significant differences in pressure waveforms and baPWV between stroke patients and control groups. Despite evidence of baPWV's prognostic value in predicting functional outcomes after acute cerebral infarction, the literature on its relation to functional recovery, especially upper limb function, in subacute stroke patients remains limited.

Study Design： Twenty-five patients admitted to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine at Shin-Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital will be enrolled prospectively. Demographic and baseline clinical data, including age, gender, stroke duration (day), lesion side, stroke type, underlying disease, severity of neurological deficit (NIHSS) at admission were recorded. Once their neurological symptoms have stabilized, all patients will have their baPWV and functional outcome measurements before and four weeks after undergoing intensive rehabilitation therapy.

Methods： Inclusion criteria are as follows: first-onset cerebral ischemic stroke within the previous 3 months, which is confirmed clinically by computed tomography scans or magnetic resonance imaging; sufficient cognition to understand procedures and provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria are as follows: hemorrhagic stroke, cerebellar or brainstem lesions which may affect autonomic or balance; concurrent neurological or neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.), brain tumor, malignancy, limb deficiency or amputation.

The intervention includes daily physical and occupational therapy sessions tailored to each patient's functional status. In this study, stroke patients will undergo a four-week rehabilitation therapy program comprising 60-minute daily sessions of physical and occupational therapy. The physical therapy includes balance training, mobility and strengthening exercises, while occupational therapy covers sensorimotor and fine motor training, and ADL activities. The primary outcome is baPWV, measured noninvasively using an oscillometric method. Patients maintain their prescribed medication regime throughout. Secondary outcomes assessed include activities of daily living, balance, gait function, ambulation, and upper limb function.