Prevalence and predictors of pain and fatigue after stroke: a population-based study

Systematic review of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain

BACKGROUND

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown potential in alleviating hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) and improving upper limb function, yet its efficacy remains debated. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of rTMS for HSP through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Four databases were searched with the keywords "rTMS" and "HSP". Adults aged 18 years and older with post-stroke HSP were included. The primary outcomes were pain scores and upper limb function scores, and the secondary outcomewas the incidence of adverse events. The risk of bias was assessed through the ROB tool in Review Manager 5.4.1, and statistical analysis was primarily conducted through this software.

RESULTS

A total of 52 articles were identified from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI. Following literature screening, 11 studies were included in the analysis. The quality of the included studies was moderate.The studies encompassed 584 patients with post-stroke HSP and their average age was 62. The analysis revealed that rTMSwas significantly more effective in relieving pain compared to the control group (SMD = -1.14, p < 0.01), and low-frequency rTMSwas superior to high-frequency rTMS. In terms of improving upper limb function, rTMSwas also significantly more efficacious compared to the control group (SMD = 2.20, p < 0.01), and low-frequency and high-intensity rTMSwere more beneficial.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the potential efficacy of rTMS. However, the heterogeneity among included studies, limited sample sizes, and lack of long-term follow-up data restrict the generalizability of the results.

Post-stroke fatigue: The role of comorbidities and its impact on quality of life

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common complication following stroke that affects approximately 50% of stroke survivors.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of comorbidities in PSF and the impact of PSF on Quality of Life (QoL). To achieve this, residual stroke symptoms have also been considered.

METHODS

The participants were stroke survivors living in a Swedish municipality. Self-reported data were collected via the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), the Riksstroke questionnaire, and the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36). Linear multiple regression and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

A total of 142 participants (83 men) with a mean age of 74.8 (SD 9.7) years were included in the study. Fatigue levels were classified as normal (FAS 10-21) for 70 (49.3%) individuals, mild-to-moderate (FAS 22-34) for 56 (39.4%) individuals, and severe (FAS 35-50) for 16 (11.3%) individuals. The mean FAS score was 23.3 (SD 8.2). Multiple regression analysis indicated that the presence of vertigo (β = 0.24, p = 0.004), chronic pulmonary disorders (β = 0.29, p = 0.003), and hemiparesis (β = 0.18, p = 0.05) were associated with more severe PSF. The model explained 19.2% of the variance in PSF. A higher level of PSF was associated with worse QoL in all eight SF-36 domains (r = -0.38 to -0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Vertigo, chronic pulmonary disorders, and hemiparesis were significantly associated with more severe PSF. Additionally, higher levels of fatigue were associated with a worse QoL. These findings confirm that PSF is a multifaceted phenomenon, underscoring the importance of addressing PSF in rehabilitation to improve outcomes for stroke survivors.

Prevalence, Trajectory, and Factors Associated With Patient-Reported Nonmotor Outcomes After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Importance

The evidence on nonmotor outcomes after acute ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is limited and domain-specific. The prevalence, natural history, and factors associated with nonmotor outcomes across multiple domains are unclear.

Objective

To synthesize the published data and to identify the prevalence, natural history, and factors associated with multidomain nonmotor outcome burden in patients with stroke.

Data Sources

A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases between January 1999 to June 2023 was supplemented by search of bibliographies of the key articles.

Study Selection

The analysis included prospective cohort studies that reported nonmotor outcomes across 10 domains: anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, social participation, pain, bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction (constipation and fecal incontinence), and sexual dysfunction assessed by patient-reported scales.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two reviewers independently assessed studies, extracting baseline data, nonmotor prevalence, and follow-up information. Pooled prevalence of nonmotor outcomes was estimated using random-effects models. Meta-regression models were used to analyze natural history and factors associated with nonmotor outcomes. Subgroup analysis was used to assess prevalence by symptom description within each nonmotor domain. Publication bias and study quality were assessed using funnel plots and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Results

A total of 279 prospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria (117 440 participants with stroke; median [IQR] age, 65 [59-70] years; 209 of 279 studies with more male than female participants) with a nonmotor outcome follow-up period ranging from 30 days to 10 years after stroke. The most prevalent adverse nonmotor outcomes by pooled prevalence were sleep disturbance (59.9%; 95% CI, 53.9%-63.9%), sexual dysfunction (59.8%; 95% CI, 50.0%-69.5%), constipation (58.2%; 95% CI, 53.9%-62.6%), reduced social participation (56.5%; 95% CI, 52.1%-60.8%), bladder dysfunction (45.9%; 95% CI, 38.0%-53.8%), and fatigue (45.2%; 95% CI, 40.7%-49.5%). Meta-regression analysis showed no significant improvement over time for most nonmotor outcomes, except pain (coefficient = -11.0%; P = .05) and sexual dysfunction (coefficient = -24.1%; P < .001). The heterogeneity ranged between 52% and 98% across all studies. The common factors associated with adverse nonmotor outcomes were female sex, studies with mixed stroke cohort (ischemic stroke or ICH), and older age.

Conclusions and Relevance

Patient-reported nonmotor outcomes were common after stroke. Sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbance, constipation, reduced social participation, bladder dysfunction, and fatigue were most prevalent. These adverse outcomes often persisted over time, especially in women, older adults, and those in studies with mixed stroke cohorts.

Post-stroke fatigue - a multidimensional problem or a cluster of disorders? A case for phenotyping post-stroke fatigue

Post-stroke fatigue is a chronic problem with significant impact on morbidity and mortality, which urgently needs effective treatments. The last decade has seen a considerable increase in interest in understanding the pathophysiology of fatigue and developing treatments. In this review, following a summary of theoretical frameworks to understand chronic fatigue, I make a case for why phenotyping fatigue is a necessary step to fully understand pathophysiology, which in turn is essential for the development of robust treatments. I then appraise current post-stroke fatigue literature with the view of identifying post-stroke fatigue phenotypes.

Exploring core and bridge symptoms in patients recovering from stroke: a network analysis

Background

Patients recovering from stroke experience a variety of symptoms that present as a synergistic and mutually reinforcing "symptom cluster," rather than as singular symptoms. In this study, we researched and systematic analyzed these symptom clusters, including core and bridge symptoms, to help determine the relationships between symptoms and to identify key symptom targets, providing a new approach for formulating precise symptom management interventions.

Methods

Convenience sampling was applied to select 432 stroke recovery patients treated in the Seventh People's Hospital of Changzhou City from August 1, 2023 to April 14, 2024. Subsequently, a cross-sectional survey was conducted using the General Information Questionnaire and Stroke Symptom Experience Scale to extract symptom clusters via exploratory factor analysis. Finally, the "qgraph" and "bootnet" packages in the R language were used to construct a network layout to describe the relationships between symptoms and calculate the centrality index.

Results

The average age of the 432 enrolled recovering stroke patients was 68.17 ± 12.14 years, including 268 males (62.04%) and 164 females (37.96%), none of whom underwent surgical intervention. Among this cohort, the 3 symptoms with the highest incidence rates were "limb weakness" (A2, 80.56%), "fatigue" (A5, 77.78%), and "limitations of limb movement" (A1, 68.06%). A total of 5 symptom clusters were extracted: the somatic activity disorder, mood-disorder-related, cognitive-linguistic dysfunction, somatic-pain-related, and foot dysfunction symptom clusters. In the symptom network, the 2 most common symptoms in terms of intensity and expected impact were "fatigue" (A5, rs = 1.14, re = 1.00) and "pessimism about the future" (B3, rs = 1.09, re = 1.02). The symptom with the strongest bridge intensity was "limb pain" (D1, rs = 2.64).

Conclusion

This study uses symptom network analysis to explore the symptoms of stroke patients during recovery, identifying core symptoms and bridge symptoms. Based on these findings, we can develop more targeted management plans to improve the accuracy and efficiency of interventions. Through this management approach, we can enhance treatment effectiveness, reduce unnecessary medication, lower adverse drug reactions, and optimize the allocation of medical resources.

Prognosis of Pain After Stroke During Rehabilitation Depends on the Pain Quality

OBJECTIVE

Pain after a stroke interferes with daily life and the rehabilitation process. This study aimed to clarify the prognosis of pain in subgroups of patients with pain after a stroke using pain quality data.

METHODS

The study included 85 patients with pain after stroke undergoing exercise-based rehabilitation. Items of the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) were used, and patients with pain after stroke were clustered according to their scores of NPSI. Other clinical assessments, such as physical and psychological conditions, were assessed by interviews and questionnaires, and then these were compared among subgroups in a cross-sectional analysis. Longitudinal pain intensity in each subgroup was recorded during 12 weeks after the stroke and the patients' pain prognoses were compared between subgroups.

RESULTS

Four distinct subgroups were clustered: cluster 1 (cold-evoked pain and tingling), cluster 2 (tingling only), cluster 3 (pressure-evoked pain), and cluster 4 (deep muscle pain with a squeezing and pressure sensation). The cross-sectional analysis showed varying clinical symptoms among the subgroups, with differences in the prevalence of joint pain, limited range of motion, somatosensory dysfunction, and allodynia. There were no significant differences in pain intensity at baseline among the subgroups. A longitudinal analysis showed divergent prognoses of pain intensity among the subgroups. The pain intensity in cluster 4 was significantly alleviated, which suggested that musculoskeletal pain could be reduced with conventional exercise-based rehabilitation. However, the pain intensity of patients in clusters 1 and 2 remained over 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The study classified patients into clinically meaningful subgroups using pain quality data and provided insight into their prognosis of pain. The findings could be useful for guiding personalized rehabilitation strategies for pain management.

IMPACT

Assessment of pain quality in patients with pain after stroke leads to personalized rehabilitation for pain management.

Improving physical movement during stroke rehabilitation: investigating associations between sleep measured by wearable actigraphy technology, fatigue, and key biomarkers

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance and fatigue are common in individuals undergoing inpatient rehabilitation following stroke. Understanding the relationships between sleep, fatigue, motor performance, and key biomarkers of inflammation and neuroplasticity could provide valuable insight into stroke recovery, possibly leading to personalized rehabilitation strategies. This study aimed to investigate the influence of sleep quality on motor function following stroke utilizing wearable technology to obtain objective sleep measurements. Additionally, we aimed to determine if there were relationships between sleep, fatigue, and motor function. Lastly, the study aimed to determine if salivary biomarkers of stress, inflammation, and neuroplasticity were associated with motor function or fatigue post-stroke.

METHODS

Eighteen individuals who experienced a stroke and were undergoing inpatient rehabilitation participated in a cross-sectional observational study. Following consent, participants completed questionnaires to assess sleep patterns, fatigue, and quality of life. Objective sleep was measured throughout one night using the wearable Philips Actiwatch. Upper limb motor performance was assessed on the following day and saliva was collected for biomarker analysis. Correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationships between variables.

RESULTS

Participants reported poor sleep quality, frequent awakenings, and difficulties falling asleep following stroke. We identified a significant negative relationship between fatigue severity and both sleep quality (r=-0.539, p = 0.021) and participants experience of awakening from sleep (r=-0.656, p = 0.003). A significant positive relationship was found between grip strength on the non-hemiplegic limb and salivary gene expression of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (r = 0.606, p = 0.028), as well as a significant negative relationship between grip strength on the hemiplegic side and salivary gene expression of C-reactive Protein (r=-0.556, p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study emphasize the importance of considering sleep quality, fatigue, and biomarkers in stroke rehabilitation to optimize recovery and that interventions may need to be tailored to the individual. Future longitudinal studies are required to explore these relationships over time. Integrating wearable technology for sleep and biomarker analysis can enhance monitoring and prediction of outcomes following stroke, ultimately improving rehabilitation strategies and patient outcomes.

Innovations in Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation: Poststroke Pain

Pain can be a significant barrier to a stroke survivors' functional recovery and can also lead to a decreased quality of life. Common pain conditions after stroke include headache, musculoskeletal pain, spasticity-related pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and central poststroke pain. This review investigates the evidence of diagnostic and management guidelines for various pain syndromes after stroke and identifies opportunities for future research to advance the field of poststroke pain.

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.

Gait speed at the acute phase predicted health-related quality of life at 3 and 12 months after stroke: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between acute-phase gait speed and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 3 and 12 months post-stroke.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SUBJECTS/PATIENTS

1,475 patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke.

METHODS

The patients were divided into 3 groups according to tertiles of gait speed, namely ≤0.8, 0.8-1.1, ≥1.1 m/s. Gait speed was assessed by the 10-m walking test within 2 weeks of hospitalization for acute stroke and before the rehabilitation programme. HRQoL measurements include the 3-level EuroQol five dimensions (EQ-5D-3L) index and EuroQoL visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) scores. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations between gait speed and HRQoL.

RESULTS

Adjusted for all covariates, the highest gait speed tertile group were associated with higher EQ-5D-3L index (B = 0.0303 and B = 0.0228, respectively, p < 0.001), and higher EQ-VAS (B = 3.3038 and B = 3.8877, respectively, p < 0.001), and lower odds of having problems with mobility (OR = 2.55 [95% CI: 0.141-0.458] and 0.485 [0.289-0.812], respectively, p < 0.01), self-care (OR = 0.328 [95% CI: 0.167-0.646] and 0.412 [0.217-0.784], respectively, p < 0.01), and usual activities (OR = 0.353 [95% CI: 0.211-0.590] and 0.325 [0.198-0.536], respectively, p < 0.0001) at 3 and 12 months, and pain/discomfort at 12 months (OR = 0.558 [95% CI:0.335-0.930], p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Acute-phase gait speed was predictive of post-stroke HRQoL at 3 and 12 months, especially when associated with domain-specific EQ-5D-3L.

Validation of general pain scores from multidomain assessment tools in stroke

Purpose

We describe how well general pain reported in multidomain assessment tools correlated with pain-specific assessment tools; associations between general pain, activities of daily living and independence after stroke.

Materials and methods

Analyses of individual participant data (IPD) from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA) described correlation coefficients examining (i) direct comparisons of assessments from pain-specific and multidomain assessment tools that included pain, (ii) indirect comparisons of pain assessments with the Barthel Index (BI) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and (iii) whether pain identification could be enhanced by accounting for reported usual activities, self-care, mobility and anxiety/depression; factors associated with pain.

Results

European Quality of Life 3- and 5-Level (EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L), RAND 36 Item Health Survey 1.0 (SF-36) or the 0-10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) were available from 10/94 studies (IPD = 10,002). The 0-10 NPRS was the only available pain-specific assessment tool and was a reference for comparison with other tools. Pearson correlation coefficients between the 0-10 NPRS and (A) the EQ-5D-3L and (B) EQ5D-5 L were r = 0.572 (n = 436) and r = 0.305 (n = 1,134), respectively. mRS was better aligned with pain by EQ-5D-3L (n = 8,966; r = 0.340) than by SF-36 (n = 623; r = 0.318). BI aligned better with pain by SF-36 (n = 623; r = -0.320). Creating a composite score using the EQ-5D 3 L and 5 L comprising pain, mobility, usual-activities, self-care and anxiety/depression did not improve correlation with the 0-10 NPRS.

Discussion

The EQ-5D-3L pain domain aligned better than the EQ-5D-5L with the 0-10 NPRS and may inform general pain description where resources and assessment burden hinder use of additional, pain-specific assessments.

Mechanisms of Post-Stroke Fatigue: A Follow-Up From the Third Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a significant and highly prevalent symptom, whose mechanisms are poorly understood. The third Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable paper on PSF focussed primarily on defining and measuring PSF while mechanisms were briefly discussed. This companion paper to the main paper is aimed at elaborating possible mechanisms of PSF.

METHODS

This paper reviews the available evidence that potentially explains the pathophysiology of PSF and draws parallels from fatigue literature in other conditions. We start by proposing a case for phenotyping PSF based on structural, functional, and behavioral characteristics of PSF. This is followed by discussion of a potentially significant role of early inflammation in the development of fatigue, specifically the impact of low-grade inflammation and its long-term systemic effects resulting in PSF. Of the many neurotransmitter systems in the brain, the dopaminergic systems have the most evidence for a role in PSF, along with a role in sensorimotor processing. Sensorimotor neural network dynamics are compromised as highlighted by evidence from both neurostimulation and neuromodulation studies. The double-edged sword effect of exercise on PSF provides further insight into how PSF might emerge and the importance of carefully titrating interventional paradigms.

CONCLUSION

The paper concludes by synthesizing the presented evidence into a unifying model of fatigue which distinguishes between factors that pre-dispose, precipitate, and perpetuate PSF. This framework will help guide new research into the biological mechanisms of PSF which is a necessary prerequisite for developing treatments to mitigate the debilitating effects of post-stroke fatigue.

Post-stroke fatigue: a review of development, prevalence, predisposing factors, measurements, and treatments

Background

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a ubiquitous and overwhelming symptom for most stroke survivors. However, there are no effective management strategies for PSF, which is partly due to our limited understanding.

Objective

In this paper, we review the development, prevalence, predisposing factors, measurements, and treatments of PSF.

Results

PSF is an independent symptom after stroke, with a prevalence ranging from 42 to 53%, which depends on the selection of measurement tools and stroke characteristics. It is affected by biological, physical, and psychological factors, among which inflammation may play a key role.

Conclusion

Numerous but non-specific evaluation measurement tools limit the management of PSF. In clinical practice, it may be beneficial to identify PSF by combining scales and objective indexes, such as walking tests and electromyographic examinations. There are no evidence-based interventions to improve PSF. However, increasing evidence suggests that transcranial direct-current stimulation and mindfulness-based interventions may become promising treatments. Further studies are urgently needed to better understand the etiology of PSF, thereby providing the basis for developing new measurement tools and targeted treatments.

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.

Prevalence, Trajectory, and Predictors of Poststroke Pain: Retrospective Analysis of Pooled Clinical Trial Data Set

BACKGROUND

Poststroke pain remains underdiagnosed and inadequately managed. To inform the optimum time to initiate interventions, we examined prevalence, trajectory, and participant factors associated with poststroke pain.

METHODS

Eligible studies from the VISTA (Virtual International Stroke Trials Archives) included an assessment of pain. Analyses of individual participant data examined demography, pain, mobility, independence, language, anxiety/depression, and vitality. Pain assessments were standardized to the European Quality of Life Scale (European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level) pain domain, describing no, moderate, or extreme pain. We described pain prevalence, associations between participant characteristics, and pain using multivariable models.

RESULTS

From 94 studies (n>48 000 individual participant data) in VISTA, 10 (n=10 002 individual participant data) included a pain assessment. Median age was 70.0 years (interquartile range [59.0-77.1]), 5560 (55.6%) were male, baseline stroke severity was National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 10 (interquartile range [7-15]). Reports of extreme pain ranged between 3% and 9.5% and were highest beyond 2 years poststroke (31/328 [9.5%]); pain trajectory varied by study. Poorer independence was significantly associated with presence of moderate or extreme pain (5 weeks-3 months odds ratio [OR], 1.5 [95% CI, 1.4-1.6]; 4-6 months OR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.3-2.1]; >6 months OR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.2-2.0]), and increased severity of pain (5 weeks-3 months: OR, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.1-1.2]; 4-6 months OR, 1.1 [95% CI, 1.1-1.2]; >6 months, OR, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.1-1.2]), after adjusting for covariates. Anxiety/depression and lower vitality were each associated with pain severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Between 3% and 9.5% of participants reported extreme poststroke pain; the presence and severity of pain were independently associated with dependence at each time point. Future studies could determine whether and when interventions may reduce the prevalence and severity of poststroke pain.

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.

A blended eHealth intervention for insomnia following acquired brain injury: a randomised controlled trial

The high prevalence and severe consequences of poor sleep following acquired brain injury emphasises the need for an effective treatment. However, treatment studies are scarce. The present study evaluates the efficacy of blended online cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (eCBT-I) developed specifically for people with acquired brain injury. In a multicentre prospective, open-label, blinded end-point randomised clinical trial, 52 participants with insomnia and a history of a stroke or traumatic brain injury were randomised to 6 weeks of guided eCBT-I or treatment as usual, with a 6-week follow-up. The primary outcome measure was the change in insomnia severity between baseline and after treatment, measured with the Insomnia Severity Index. Results showed that insomnia severity improved significantly more with eCBT-I than with treatment as usual compared to baseline, both at post-treatment (mean [SEM] 4.0 [1.3] insomnia severity index points stronger decrease, d = 0.96, p < 0.003) and at follow-up (mean [SEM] 3.2 [1.5] insomnia severity index points, d = -0.78, p < 0.03). In conclusion, our randomised clinical trial shows that blended CBT is an effective treatment for insomnia, and feasible for people with acquired brain injury, regardless of cognitive and psychiatric complaints. Online treatment has major advantages in terms of availability and cost and may contribute to the successful implementation of insomnia treatment for people with acquired brain injuries.

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.

Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of pressure pain threshold assessment in stroke patients

BACKGROUND

As pain is a common symptom following a stroke, pressure pain threshold (PPT) assessment can be used to evaluate pain status or pain sensitivity of patients. However, the reliability of PPT test in stroke patients is still unknown.

AIM

To examine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of PPT measurements in poststroke survivors and explore their factors.

DESIGN

An observational study.

SETTING

The setting of the study is a rehabilitation hospital.

POPULATION

The population of the study was represented by a total of 54 patients after stroke.

METHODS

The study included 16 measured points on the affected and unaffected sides. PPT was assessed by two raters in turn. Intra- and inter-rater reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

RESULTS

All intra-rater (ICC=0.84-0.97) and inter-rater (ICC=0.83-0.95) reliability for PPT assessment were good or excellent in stroke patients. Of the 16 points, 12 showed higher intra-rater ICC values than inter-rater, whereas no evident difference was observed between the affected and unaffected sides. Furthermore, patients who were male, ischemic, or with higher motor function generally performed higher ICC values than those who were female (24 out of 32 results), hemorrhagic (28 out of 32 results), or mobility dysfunction (26 out of 32 results), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PPT assessment with good or excellent reliability can be used in stroke patients. Neither of the two sides (affected or unaffected) affects PPT reliability, and intra-rater reliability is better than inter-rater reliability. In addition, gender, stroke type, and motor function can affect the reliability of measuring mechanical pain threshold in poststroke survivors.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The pressure algometer can be used as a reliable and portable tool to assess the mechanical pain tolerance and sensory function in stroke patients in clinics.

Neuroimaging Parameters Are Not Associated With Chronic Post-stroke Fatigue in Young Stroke Patients

Introduction

Post-stroke fatigue is frequently present in young adults, but its underlying mechanism is still unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between lesion location, network efficiency and chronic post-stroke fatigue based on voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping and structural network connectivity analysis.

Patients and Methods

One hundred and thirty five young patients, aged 18–50 years, with a first-ever transient ischemic attack or cerebral infarction from the Follow-Up of Transient ischemic attack and stroke patients and Unelucidated Risk factor Evaluation (FUTURE) study, underwent 1.5T MRI and were assessed for fatigue using the self-report Checklist Individual Strength. Stroke lesions were manually segmented, and structural network efficiency was calculated using the diffusion MRI-based brain networks and graph theory for each patient. Univariate and multivariate analyses was performed to study the associations between MRI parameters and chronic post-stroke fatigue. In addition, we used voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping to analyze the relationship between the lesion location and chronic post-stroke fatigue.

Results

Mean age at index event was 39.0 years (SD ± 8.2), and mean follow-up duration was 11.0 years (SD ± 8.0). 50 patients (37%) had post-stroke fatigue. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping showed no significant relation between stroke lesions and the presence of chronic post-stroke fatigue. Furthermore, there were no significant associations between the lesion size or network efficiency, and the presence of chronic post-stroke fatigue.

Discussion

We did not find any association between stroke characteristics (lesion location and size) and chronic post-stroke fatigue (CIS20-R), nor associations between structural brain network connectivity and post-stroke fatigue on the long term in young stroke patients.

The association between functional status and physical pain with depressive symptoms after a stroke event: A cross-sectional analysis of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2018

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a major cause of mortality and long-term physical and cognitive impairment. This study aims to: (1) examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, disability and pain among Chinese adults with stroke; (2) test the associations of functional limitations and body pain with occurrence of depressive symptoms; (3) investigate gender and urban-rural disparities in these associations.

METHODS

This study utilized the data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2018, involving 969 patients with stroke among 17,970 participants aged ≥ 45 years. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale. We performed multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the associations between activities of daily life (ADL), instrumental activities of daily life (IADL) and pain with depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Depressive symptoms were found among 40.2% of stroke patients, with a higher prevalence in females (48.2%) than males (32.7%). Prevalence of ADL limitations, IADL limitations and pain among stroke patients were 39.2, 49.8 and 14.0%, respectively. ADL and IADL limitations and pain were more prevalent among females and residents in rural areas. Multivariable regression analyses showed a significant association between ADL limitation (OR = 1.535, 95% CI = 1.168, 2.018), IADL limitation (OR = 1.666, 95% CI = 1.260, 2.203) and pain (OR = 2.122, 95% CI = 1.466, 3.073) with depressive symptoms. Stratified analyses revealed stronger associations among urban residents. Females had a higher association of ADL and IADL with depressive symptoms but similar in that of pain to the males. The impact of ADL and IADL in male patients is higher than in females, but the impact of pain on depressive symptoms is higher in female patients.

CONCLUSION

Depressive symptoms are common amongst post-stroke patients in China and are significantly associated with functional disability and physical pain. Our findings have implications for practitioners on the early assessment of pain and depression after stroke. Future research should explore effective intervention measures for physical-mental stroke complications.

Post-stroke fatigue is associated with resting state posterior hypoactivity and prefrontal hyperactivity

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is associated with poor functional outcomes and increased mortality following stroke. Survivors identify fatigue as one of their key unmet needs. Despite the growing body of research into post-stroke fatigue, the specific neural mechanisms remain largely unknown.

AIM

This observational study aimed to identify resting state brain activity markers of post-stroke fatigue.

METHOD

Sixty-three stroke survivors (22 women; age 30-89 years; mean 67.5 ± 13.4 years) from the Cognition And Neocortical Volume After Stroke study, a cohort study examining cognition, mood, and brain volume in stroke survivors following ischemic stroke, underwent brain imaging three months post-stroke, including a 7-minute resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We calculated the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations, which is measured at the whole-brain level and can detect altered spontaneous neural activity of specific regions.

RESULTS

Forty-five participants reported experiencing post-stroke fatigue as measured by an item on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Fatigued compared to non-fatigued participants demonstrated significantly lower resting-state activity in the calcarine cortex (p < 0.001, cluster-corrected pFDR = 0.009, k = 63) and lingual gyrus (p < 0.001, cluster-corrected pFDR = 0.025, k = 42) and significantly higher activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (p < 0.001, cluster-corrected pFDR = 0.03, k = 45).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-stroke fatigue is associated with posterior hypoactivity and prefrontal hyperactivity reflecting dysfunction within large-scale brain systems such as fronto-striatal-thalamic and frontal-occipital networks. These systems in turn might reflect a relationship between post-stroke fatigue and abnormalities in executive and visual functioning. This whole-brain resting-state study provides new targets for further investigation of post-stroke fatigue beyond the lesion approach.

Pervasiveness of speech-language disorders and fatigue in stroke: A systematic scoping review

BACKGROUND

After a stroke, it is highly likely that an individual will experience substantial fatigue that can significantly affect recovery and function; stroke survivors also have more than a 50% chance of having at least one speech-language disorder. Current reviews of post-stroke fatigue have not provided evidence focused on speech-language disorders or the potential influence they may have on post-stroke fatigue and related recovery.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review was to determine how speech-language disorders are represented in post-stroke fatigue research and to catalogue methods used to identify speech-language disorders and measure fatigue.

METHODS

A systematic scoping review was conducted to identify studies measuring post-stroke fatigue. To identify these studies, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using relevant databases and grey literature sources, followed by several stages of review that adhered to PRISMA guidelines. We evaluated these studies using pre-established eligibility criteria and extracted data regarding the inclusion/exclusion of persons with speech-language disorders and the assessment methods used.

RESULTS

The scoping review analysis was conducted on 161 studies. Of these, 41 (26%) excluded all speech-language disorders, 71 (44%) excluded severe speech-language disorders, and 49 (30%) included participants with speech-language disorders. Of the 120 studies that did not explicitly exclude all speech-language disorders, only 34 were confirmed to report data from at least one person with a speech-language disorder. Further, only 5 studies reported data that could be used to determine a relationship between speech-language disorders and fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

Persons with speech-language disorders are underrepresented in post-stroke fatigue research and very few studies have examined the relationship between post-stroke fatigue and speech-language disorders, limiting conclusions that can be drawn. This is problematic because medical professionals relying on this evidence to guide clinical practice are likely to be treating individuals with co-occurring fatigue and speech-language disorders and the current research does not provide enough information about the potential impact of fatigue on speech-language disorders or vice versa. To bridge this gap, we suggest methods of assessment that could provide ways to more accurately 1) reflect the real population in post-stroke fatigue studies, and 2) measure and document fatigue in post-stroke speech-language disorder studies. We also propose the Filter-Funnel Model of Post-Stroke Fatigue, which considers the role of speech-language disorders and communicative demands in the context of post-stroke fatigue.

Comorbidity in Stroke-Survivors: Prevalence and Associations with Functional Outcomes and Health

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and impact of stroke-related comorbidity in a community-based sample of stroke survivors. We sought to find out which types of comorbidity that were most important with respect to the patients' functional outcomes and general health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All stroke survivors (n = 330) living in a medium-sized Swedish municipality were included. Patient records were reviewed to determine the presence of comorbidities. A selection of patient reported outcomes were used to assess subjective symptoms, functional outcomes, and general health. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between comorbidities, residual symptoms, and subjective symptoms on the one hand, and functional outcomes and general health on the other hand.

RESULTS

Hypertension (80%) was the most common cardiovascular risk factor. Ischemic heart disease was found in 18% and congestive heart failure in 10%. Of non-cardiovascular disorders, orthopaedic diseases were commonest (30%). Psychiatric disorders and cognitive impairment were present in 11% and 12% respectively. Hemiparesis is associated with both functional outcomes and general health. Additionally, orthopedic disorders, vertigo, cognitive impairment, nicotine use, chronic pulmonary disorders, and age, are associated with different functional outcomes. Psychiatric, orthopedic and neurological disorders are related to general health. The patient-reported outcome measure "feeling of tiredness" is important for many of the outcomes, while "feeling depressed" and "having pain" are associated with general health.

CONCLUSIONS

Many medical conditions, several of which have received little attention so far, are associated with functional outcome and general health in stroke survivors. If the intention is to describe comorbidity relevant to function and general health in stroke patients, disorders that hitherto have received little attention, must be considered.

Effects of Self RehAbilitation Video Exercises (SAVE) on Functional Restorations in Patients with Subacute Stroke

Background: Additional exercise therapy has been shown to positively affect acute stroke rehabilitation, which requires an effective method to deliver increased exercise. In this study, we designed a 4-week caregiver-supervised self-exercise program with videos, named “Self rehAbilitation Video Exercises (SAVE)”, to improve the functional outcomes and facilitate early recovery by increasing the continuity of rehabilitation therapy after acute stroke. Methods: This study is a non-randomized trial. Eighty-eight patients were included in an intervention group (SAVE group), who received conventional rehabilitation therapies and an additional self-rehabilitation session by watching bedside exercise videos and continued their own exercises in their rooms for 60 min every day for 4 weeks. Ninety-six patients were included in a control group, who received only conventional rehabilitation therapies. After 4 weeks of hospitalization, both groups assessed several outcome measurements, including the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary of the Short-Form Survey 36 (SF-36), Mini-Mental State Examination, and Beck Depression Inventory. Results: Differences in BBS, MBI, and PCS components in SF-36 were more statistically significant in the SAVE group than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Patients in the SAVE group showed more significant improvement in BBS, MBI, and PCS components in SF-36 as compared to that in the control group. Conclusions: This evidence-based SAVE intervention can optimize patient recovery after a subacute stroke while keeping the available resources in mind.

Influence of mobility restrictions on post-stroke pain

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of mobility limitations and vitality, as well as additional factors such as comorbidities, to predict post-stroke pain.

MATERIALS & METHODS

This study included cross-sectional data from 214 participants living in varied settings in different parts of Sweden. Participants were asked to complete the Stroke Impact Scale, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36, and Self-administered Comorbidity Questionnaire to evaluate mobility, vitality, comorbidities, and pain. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic and clinical characteristics. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the pain domain score on Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36.

RESULTS

The mean age of all participants in the sample was 66 years (SD 14); 43.4% of the study population were women. After analyses, "standing without losing balance and vitality'' were found to be significant predictors in the model which explained the pain score on Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the results suggest that restrictions in mobility and low vitality have an important role on the occurrence of post-stroke pain. Having post-stroke pain could be due to not able to stand without losing balance and low vitality. Thus, rehabilitation professionals may consider the importance of these factors, especially mobility restrictions, in preventing post-stroke pain.

A mini-review: Bridging the gap between autism spectrum disorder and pain comorbidities

Background

Pain is a complex neurobiological response with a multitude of causes; however, patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often report chronic pain with no known etiology. Recent research has been aimed toward identifying the causal mechanisms of pain in mouse and human models of ASD. In recent years, efforts have been made to better document and explore secondary phenotypes observed in ASD patients in the clinic. As new sequencing studies have become more powered with larger cohorts within ASD, specific genes and their variants are often left uncharacterized or validated. In this review we highlight ASD risk genes often presented with pain comorbidities.

Aims

This mini-review bridges the gap between two fields of literature, neurodevelopmental disorders and pain research. We discuss the importance of the genetic landscape of ASD and its links to pain phenotypes.

Results

Among the numerous genes implicated in ASD, few have been implicated with varying severities of pain comorbidity. Mutations in these genes, such as SCN9A, SHANK3, and CNTNAP2, lead to altered neuronal function that produce different responses to pain, shown in both mouse and human models.

Conclusion

There is a necessity to use new technologies to advance the current understanding of ASD risk genes and their contributions to pain. Secondly, there is a need to power future ASD risk genes associated with pain with their own cohort, because a better understanding is needed of this subpopulation.

Predictors and short-term outcomes of post-stroke fatigue in initial phase of transition from hospital to home: A prospective observational study

AIM

To analyse the interactions of associated factors with post stroke fatigue (PSF) after discharge home and determine the predictors of PSF and their impact on stroke survivors.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study.

METHODS

A total of 94 patients with acute stroke were recruited between May 2019 -July 2020. The main outcomes were fatigue, depression, insomnia, sarcopenia, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and were assessed at admission and 1 month after discharge. Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Assessment Scale. Depression and Insomnia were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression and Insomnia Severity Index, respectively. Sarcopenia was measured using the SARC-F questionnaire, and HRQOL was assessed using the Short Form-8.

RESULTS

Acute phase PSF was an independent predictor of PSF after discharge home. Moreover the path analysis revealed that this effect is mediated through both the direct effect of acute-phase PSF on PSF after discharge home and through the indirect effect of interaction with pre-stroke SARC-F, acute phase depression, and acute phase insomnia, which remains a separate predictor of acute-phase PSF. In total, 17% of the survivors had persistent PSF. Persistent PSF was significantly associated with depression, insomnia, sarcopenia, and a lower quality of life scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-stroke fatigue may occur in the acute phase and persists after discharge, it will not only affect later depression, insomnia, and quality of life, but also sarcopenia.

IMPACT

Acute phase PSF was found to be an independent predictor of PSF after discharge home. In addition, the interaction with pre-stroke SARC-F, acute phase depression and insomnia had an indirect connection with PSF after discharge home, which remains a separate predictor of acute-phase PSF. Thus, early assessment and management of mental status, sleep problems, and sarcopenia during hospitalization might be an important step in post-stroke rehabilitation and home transition.

Development and Internal Validation of a Nomogram to Predict Post-Stroke Fatigue After Discharge

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for the individualized prediction of the risk of post-stroke fatigue (PSF) after discharge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Assessment Scale. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to build a prediction model incorporating the feature selected in the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model. Discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the predictive model were assessed using the C-index, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis. Internal validation was conducted using bootstrapping validation. Finally, a web application was developed to facilitate the use of the nomogram.

RESULTS

We developed a nomogram based on 95 stroke patients. The predictors included in the nomogram were sex, pre-stroke sarcopenia, acute phase fatigue, dysphagia, and depression. The model displayed good discrimination, with a C-index of 0.801 (95% confidence interval: 0.700-0.902) and good calibration. A high C-index value of 0.762 could still be reached in the interval validation. Decision curve analysis showed that the risk of PSF after discharge was clinically useful when the intervention was decided at the PSF risk possibility threshold of 10% to 90%.

CONCLUSION

This nomogram could be conveniently used to provide an individual, visual, and precise prediction of the risk probability of PSF after being discharged home. Thus, as an aid in decision-making, physicians and other healthcare professionals can use this predictive method to provide early intervention or a discharge plan for stroke patients during the hospitalization period.

Implementing a Pain Assessment Survey and Team Approach Method to Effectively Assess and Treat Pain in Poststroke Patients

OBJECTIVES

To monitor and treat pain effectively in stroke patients in an inpatient rehabilitation facility using an efficient Pain Assessment Survey.

DESIGN

The study was conducted as a 2-part project. Part 1 was a preintervention study conducted to assess the prevalence of pain in poststroke patients using a Pain Assessment Survey. Factors such as central and peripheral mechanisms, psychological factors, and autonomic input were used to study the surveyed population. Other potential risk factors, such as age and sex, were also incorporated into statistical gathering. The correlation between the presence of pain and poststroke patients was assessed, and an enhanced pain assessment was created and implemented in the admission process of poststroke patients. This helped comprise part of the second portion of the study, the postintervention study.

SETTING

Participants were chosen from an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Each part of the project was conducted over a 6-month period.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=184) were randomly selected. Eighty-two patients were included in the preintervention survey, and 102 patients were included in the postintervention survey. Those who had pain prior to stroke that remained unchanged or if the pain was secondary to another diagnosis were excluded from the study.

INTERVENTION

Patients with complaints of poststroke pain (PSP) were intervened immediately upon admission using a team approach. This included all personnel involved in the patient's care to resolve pain before discharge. Different types of medications and non-medical modalities were used for pain control.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The prevalence of PSP in poststroke patients.

RESULTS

The preintervention survey revealed a pain prevalence of 31.7%, whereas the postintervention study showed a prevalence of 11.8% in poststroke patients on admission. The odds that a poststroke patient would be discharged without pain and with a proper pain assessment and management was 96.2, with a statistically significant P value of .0015.

CONCLUSION

The team approach to pain management resulted in all patients being successfully treated and discharged pain free. This further demonstrates the importance of using both a pain assessment survey and team approach to assess PSP in poststroke patients.

Related risk factors associated with post-stroke fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is one of the most common complications of stroke and has a negative impact on quality of life over time. Although several therapeutic approaches have been explored in the last decade, the risk factors responsible for the occurrence of PSF are still largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify the risk factors contributing to PSF, especially clinical and social risk factors, which may help to prevent PSF.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed with PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from inception until April 2019. Only original studies measuring the association between potential risk factors and PSF were included. All relevant data the included studies were extracted by two independent reviewers using predefined data fields.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies (n = 3933) were included in this meta-analysis. Female (OR = 1.39; p < 0.01), thalamus (OR = 1.76; p = 0.02), leucoaraiosis (OR = 1.73; p < 0.01), NIHSS score (OR = 1.16; p < 0.01), modified Rankin Scale (OR = 1.63; p < 0.01), depression (OR = 1.75; p < 0.01), and sleeping disturbances (OR = 2.01; p < 0.01) were all significantly associated with PSF. In the subgroup analysis, depression (OR = 2.75; p < 0.01) tended to be associated with Asian patients with PSF. For patients who had a stroke survive for more than half a year, PSF was more likely to occur in stroke survivors with depression (OR = 1.46; p < 0.01), anxiety (OR = 1.13; p < 0.01), or sleeping disturbances (OR = 1.98; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Despite some limitations, this study first identified that female and depression conferred an increased susceptibility to PSF, regardless of whether in European or Asian populations. Risk factors associated with PSF included female, thalamic, leucoaraiosis, depression, sleeping disturbances, diabetes mellitus, and anxiety. This meta-analysis shows that chronic PSF appears to be largely attributable to patients with multiple comorbidities. It is necessary to strengthen the treatment for stroke-related complications and improve stroke patient care, which could help to reduce the incidence of PSF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CRD42019128751.

Fatigue and activity after stroke. Secondary results from the Life After Stroke study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe how the prevalence of fatigue changed from the subacute phase to the chronic phase after stroke, and to investigate how activity was associated with fatigue among participants included in the randomized controlled multicentre-study Life After STroke (LAST).

METHODS

The present study represents secondary analysis based on data from the LAST study. One-hundred-and-forty-five patients with mild and moderate stroke (mean (SD) age: 71.5 (10.5) years, 57.2% males) recruited from St. Olav's University Hospital were included. Fatigue was assessed by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-7) at inclusion, 3 months after stroke, and at follow-up 18 months later. activPAL was used to measure activity at follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 46 (31.7%) participants reported fatigue at inclusion and 43 (29.7%) at follow-up (p = .736). In the univariable regression analysis, sedentary behaviour, walking and sedentary bouts were significantly associated with fatigue (p ≤ .015), whereas only time spent walking was significantly associated with fatigue in the multivariable regression analysis (p = .017).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that fatigue is a common symptom after stroke and that the prevalence of fatigue remained unchanged from the subacute to the chronic phase. The study also showed that increased time spent walking was strongly related to lower fatigue, while no such associations were found between the other activity categories and fatigue.

Experienced pain after stroke: a cross-sectional 5-year follow-up study

Background

Stroke is one of the most common cause of disability worldwide. Pain is common in both stroke survivors and in the general population. Consequences of post-stroke pain (PSP) include reduced quality of life and are important to consider. The aim of the current study was to explore the experience of pain 5 years after stroke, and factors associated with the experience of pain.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were: First ever stroke, treated at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden, during an 18 months period in 2009–2010, aged 18 years or older. Furthermore, the participants had to respond to a set of questionnaires 5 years post-stroke. Baseline data were collected from medical records and follow-up data from the set of questionnaires. The primary outcome was based on the question Do you experience pain? Predictors and explanatory factors for experiencing more frequent pain were analysed with logistic regression.

Results

A total of 281 participants were included. Almost 40% experienced pain to some degree 5 years post-stroke (15% reported pain frequently), and 25% felt that their needs for pain treatment were not met. The participants experiencing more frequent pain reported poorer quality of life, self-perceived health status and recovery post-stroke. Functional dependency at discharge from hospital, experiencing depression at follow up and restricted mobility at follow up were all associated with more frequent pain.

Conclusion

Pain is common 5 years post-stroke and the treatment is not perceived as optimal. The persons experiencing more frequent pain seem to rate their health and recovery worse than the persons experiencing less frequent pain. Most of the factors associated with more frequent pain were treatable and this emphasize the importance of standardised follow-up care that takes pain into consideration.

Post-stroke shoulder pain subtypes classifying criteria: towards a more specific assessment and improved physical therapeutic care

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke Shoulder Pain (PSSP) is a common stroke-related syndrome that prolongs hospitalization and diminishes quality of life. PSSP studies were unsuccessful in clarifying pathophysiological mechanisms. Therefore, cohort's studies with greater variety of the sample and larger follow-up period could provide additional clinical data and may improve medical care.

OBJECTIVE

To classify people with PSSP and identify intergroup clinical differences, providing additional data useful for therapeutic care planning.

METHODS

One thousand individuals with stroke were selected from all levels of one health Area and followed up during one year. Demographic data, stroke clinical characteristics, stroke-related symptoms and rehabilitation parameters were collected. The shoulder muscle impairment was used to group participants into three clinical profiles: severe muscular impairment, moderate muscular impairment and low muscular impairment groups.

RESULTS

A total of 119 individuals were diagnosed with PSSP. The suggested classification criteria showed two groups that differed significantly in relation to the onset and duration of PSSP, presence of sensory and speech impairment, and spasticity. The outcomes did not firmly support the existence of a third suggested PSSP subtype.

CONCLUSIONS

PSSP may vary in onset, clinical manifestations, severity and syndrome duration. These results highlight the course of different clinical profiles and require multidisciplinary management approaches.

Prevalence, Trajectory, and Predictors of Poststroke Fatigue among Ghanaians

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Poststroke fatigue (PSF) is rife among stroke survivors and it exerts a detrimental toll on recovery from functional deficits. The burden of PSF is unknown in sub-Saharan Africa. We have assessed the prevalence, trajectory, and predictors of PSF among 60 recent Ghanaian stroke patients.

METHODS

Study participants in this prospective cohort (recruited between January 2017 and June 2017) were stroke survivors, aged greater than 18 years, with CT scan confirmed stroke of less than 1-month onset. PSF was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at enrollment, months 3, 6, and 9. Those with a score of greater than or equal to 4 points on FSS were categorized as "fatigued." A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of PSF at enrollment and at month 9.

RESULTS

Sixty-five percent (65%) of our sample were males with a mean age of 55.1 ± 12.7 years. In addition to all participants having hypertension, 85% had dyslipidemia and 25% had diabetes mellitus. Ischemic strokes comprised 76.6% of the study population. The prevalence of PSF was 58.9% at baseline and declined to 23.6% at month 9, P = .0002. Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with PSF at baseline with an adjusted odds ratio of 15.12 (95% CI: 1.70-134.30), P = .01. However, at month 9, age greater than or equal to 65 years, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 7.02 (95% CI: 1.16-42.52); female sex, aOR of 8.52 (1.23-59.16), and depression, aOR of 8.86 (1.19-65.88) were independently associated with PSF.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 6 out of 10 Ghanaian stroke survivors experience PSF within the first month of stroke onset. PSF persists in approximately 1 out of 4 stroke survivors at 10 months after the index stroke. Further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for PSF are required and adequately powered interventional multicenter trials are eagerly awaited to provide solid evidence base for the clinical management of PSF.

Post-stroke fatigue as an indicator of underlying bioenergetics alterations

Approximately half of stroke survivors suffer from clinically significant fatigue, contributing to poor quality of life, depression, dependency, and increased mortality. The etiology of post-stroke fatigue is not well understood and treatment is limited. This study tested the hypothesis that systemic aerobic energy metabolism, as reflected by platelet oxygen consumption, is negatively associated with fatigue and systemic inflammation is positively associated with fatigue in chronic ischemic stroke survivors. Data on self-reported level of fatigue, platelet oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and plasma inflammatory markers were analyzed from 20 ischemic stroke survivors. DNA copy number for two mitochondrial genes was measured as a marker of platelet mitochondrial content. Basal and protonophore-stimulated maximal platelet OCR showed a biphasic relationship to fatigue. Platelet OCR was negatively associated with low to moderate fatigue but was positively associated with moderate to high fatigue. DNA copy number was not associated with either fatigue or platelet OCR. Fatigue was negatively associated with C-reactive protein but not with other inflammatory markers. Post-stroke fatigue may be indicative of a systemic cellular energy dysfunction that is reflected in platelet energy metabolism. The biphasic relationship of fatigue to platelet OCR may indicate an ineffective bioenergetic compensatory response that has been observed in other pathological states.

Investigating post-stroke fatigue: An individual participant data meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of post-stroke fatigue differs widely across studies, and reasons for such divergence are unclear. We aimed to collate individual data on post-stroke fatigue from multiple studies to facilitate high-powered meta-analysis, thus increasing our understanding of this complex phenomenon.

METHODS

We conducted an Individual Participant Data (IPD) meta-analysis on post-stroke fatigue and its associated factors. The starting point was our 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis of post-stroke fatigue prevalence, which included 24 studies that used the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Study authors were asked to provide anonymised raw data on the following pre-identified variables: (i) FSS score, (ii) age, (iii) sex, (iv) time post-stroke, (v) depressive symptoms, (vi) stroke severity, (vii) disability, and (viii) stroke type. Linear regression analyses with FSS total score as the dependent variable, clustered by study, were conducted.

RESULTS

We obtained data from 14 of the 24 studies, and 12 datasets were suitable for IPD meta-analysis (total n = 2102). Higher levels of fatigue were independently associated with female sex (coeff. = 2.13, 95% CI 0.44-3.82, p = 0.023), depressive symptoms (coeff. = 7.90, 95% CI 1.76-14.04, p = 0.021), longer time since stroke (coeff. = 10.38, 95% CI 4.35-16.41, p = 0.007) and greater disability (coeff. = 4.16, 95% CI 1.52-6.81, p = 0.010). While there was no linear association between fatigue and age, a cubic relationship was identified (p < 0.001), with fatigue peaks in mid-life and the oldest old.

CONCLUSION

Use of IPD meta-analysis gave us the power to identify novel factors associated with fatigue, such as longer time since stroke, as well as a non-linear relationship with age.

New-onset pain in the early phase and three months following stroke - data from a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The reported prevalence of pain after stroke varies considerably, depending on how pain is measured, time after stroke, and characteristics of the selected population. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and distribution of new-onset pain initially and three months after stroke in a general Norwegian cohort, and to examine whether symptoms of anxiety or depression were associated with new-onset pain after stroke.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Stroke patients were included from eleven different hospitals within 14 days after stroke onset. Pain was assessed at inclusion and three months after stroke, and the distribution of pain was marked on a body map. New-onset pain was defined as pain reported by the patients to have occurred after the stroke. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 390 patients were included. Pain data were available in 142 patients at both inclusion and follow-up, while 245 patients had available data for the regression analysis. In patients with follow-up data, new-onset pain occurred in 14 (9.9%) patients at inclusion and in 31 (21.8%) patients three months later, P=0.005. New-onset pain in the affected upper limb and bilaterally in the lower limbs was more common at three months than initially after stroke. Symptoms of anxiety were associated with new-onset pain (OR=1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.27, P=0.030).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that new-onset pain occurs in one out of ten patients initially after stroke and in one out of five patients three months after stroke, and it was associated with symptoms of anxiety. This raises the question of whether easing symptoms of anxiety might help to prevent or treat new pain after stroke.

Chronic post-stroke fatigue: It may no longer be about the stroke itself

OBJECTIVE

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a debilitating complication of stroke recovery. Contributing risk factors, whether they are modifiable, and if they change over time remain understudied. We determine factors associated with PSF and how they evolve from the subacute through chronic phases of recovery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A consecutive series of patients presenting to our comprehensive stroke center with acute stroke were seen in follow-up within 6 months of infarct and administered the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) fatigue scale to evaluate for PSF. It was re-administered >6 months post-infarct. Demographics, stroke characteristics (NIH Stroke Scale [NIHSS], infarct size and location), medical comorbidities, and outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) were also recorded. Regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with FACIT scores and PSF at each time point.

RESULTS

203 patients were administered the FACIT a mean 1.6 months post-stroke; 128 underwent re-administration (mean 13.9 months post-event). In adjusted models, stroke severity (follow-up NIHSS [p < 0.001], mRS [p = 0.005]) and posterior circulation localization (p = 0.012) were associated with lower FACIT scores (increased fatigue) in the subacute setting, while medical comorbidities (hypertension [p = 0.024], obstructive sleep apnea [p = 0.020]) and medication use (anticonvulsants [p = 0.021]) were associated with lower scores chronically. Baseline depression (p < 0.001, p = 0.029) was associated with lower scores at both time points.

CONCLUSION

Early PSF appears to be largely attributable to stroke severity, while chronic fatigue occurs in the setting of medical comorbidities and medication use. This has significant clinical implications when considering management strategies at different stages of recovery.

A Narrative Review of Persistent Post-Stroke Headache - A New Entry in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition

BACKGROUND

Persistent post-stroke headache is a clinical entity that has recently entered the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. In contrast to acute headache attributed to stroke, the epidemiology, clinical features, potential pathophysiology, and management of persistent post-stroke headache have not been reviewed.

METHODS

We summarize the literature describing persistent headache attributed to stroke.

RESULTS

Persistent headache after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke affects up to 23% of patients. These persistent headaches tend to have tension-type features and are more frequent and severe than acute stroke-related headaches. Risk factors include younger age, female sex, pre-existing headache disorder, and comorbid post-stroke fatigue or depression. Other factors including obstructive sleep apnea or musculoskeletal imbalances may contribute to headache persistence. Although more evidence is needed, it may be reasonable to treat persistent post-stroke headache according to headache semiology.

CONCLUSION

Recognition of persistent post-stroke headache as a separate clinical entity from acute stroke-attributed headache is the first step toward better defining its natural history and most effective treatment strategies.

Pituitary dysfunction and association with fatigue in stroke and other acute brain injury

BACKGROUND

Poststroke fatigue (PSF) is a highly prevalent and debilitating condition. However, the etiology remains incompletely understood. Literature suggests the co-prevalence of pituitary dysfunction (PD) with stroke, and the question raises whether this could be a contributing factor to the development of PSF. This study reviews the prevalence of PD after stroke and other acquired brain injuries and its association with fatigue.

SUMMARY

We performed a bibliographic literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for English language studies on PD in adult patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Forty-two articles were selected for review. Up to 82% of patients were found to have any degree of PD after stroke. Growth hormone deficiency was most commonly found. In aSAH and TBI, prevalences up to 49.3% were reported. However, data differed widely between studies, mostly due to methodological differences including the diagnostic methods used to define PD and the focus on the acute or chronic phase. Data on PD and outcome after stroke, aSAH and TBI are conflicting. No studies were found investigating the association between PD and PSF. Data on the association between PD and fatigue after aSAH and TBI were scarce and conflicting, and fatigue is rarely been investigated as a primary end point.

KEY MESSAGES

Data according to the prevalence of PD after stroke and other acquired brain injury suggest a high prevalence of PD after these conditions. However, the clinical relevance and especially the association with fatigue need to be established.

Mechanisms of poststroke fatigue

Poststroke fatigue is a debilitating symptom and is poorly understood. Here we summarise molecular, behavioural and neurophysiological changes related to poststroke fatigue and put forward potential theories for mechanistic understanding of poststroke fatigue.

The Association Between Symptomatic and Diagnostic Depression and Pain Among the Elderly Population in South Korea

The exact nature of pain (amount or severity) associated with in depression in the elderly population has not been studied extensively yet. We investigated the association between the characteristics of pain and both symptomatic and diagnostic depression using data from the 2012 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2164 men, 2066 women). Symptomatic depression was identified a score of 12 or higher on the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval was calculated for depression using multiple logistic regression models after adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, health behavioral factors, and chronic diseases. The fully adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for symptomatic/diagnostic depression were "1" = 2.09 (1.62-2.49)/1.71 (1.03-2.86), "2" = 1.88 (1.42-2.49)/1.82 (1.05-3.13), and ">3" = 2.27 (1.71-3.01)/3.21 (1.94-5.32), and 1.86 (1.48-2.33)/1.57 (1.00-2.49) for mild, 1.74 (1.22-2.48)/2.10 (1.11-3.98) for moderate, and 5.41 (3.77-7.77)/7.34 (4.15-12.99) for severe of pain. The results indicated a significant association between the number of sites and severity of pain and the prevalence of depression in the Korean elderly.

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

At least half of all stroke survivors experience fatigue; thus, it is a common cause of concern for patients, caregivers, and clinicians after stroke. This scientific statement provides an international perspective on the emerging evidence surrounding the incidence, prevalence, quality of life, and complex pathogenesis of poststroke fatigue. Evidence for pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for management are reviewed, as well as the effects of poststroke fatigue on both stroke survivors and caregivers.

Acute-Phase Fatigue Predicts Limitations with Activities of Daily Living 18 Months after First-Ever Stroke

BACKGROUND

Fatigue during the acute phase following stroke has been shown to predict long-term physical health, specifically increased bodily pain and poorer self-rated general health. The aim of this analysis was to determine whether acute-phase fatigue also predicts patients' limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) 18 months after the first stroke.

METHODS

Patients with first-ever stroke (N = 88) were recruited upon admission at 2 hospitals in Norway. Patients were assessed within 2 weeks following admission and at 18 months using the Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living (BI), Fatigue Severity Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory II. The relationship between acute-phase fatigue and later activity limitations (BI < 20) was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for relevant covariates and acute-phase ADL function.

RESULTS

Acute-phase fatigue was associated with activity limitations at 18-month follow-up (P = .002), even when controlling for other predictors of ADL function, including age, gender, baseline work status, and acute-phase depressive symptoms and ADL function. Examining the reverse relationship, acute-phase activity limitations were unrelated to fatigue 18 months after stroke.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that acute-phase fatigue may be an independent risk factor for activity limitations 18 months after stroke. This finding suggests that effective treatments for poststroke fatigue both in the acute phase and later in the recovery period may contribute to better stroke rehabilitation.