Keeping Active with Texting after Stroke (KATS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Promoting physical activity and exercise after stroke using a text messaging intervention (Phase 2)
IRAS ID
291668
Contact name
Jacqui Morris
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN13704805
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 17 days
Research summary
This second phase of the study will pilot and refine a novel Short Message Service (SMS) behavioural intervention to support stroke survivors to continue with exercise and physical activities after discharge from rehabilitation. The intervention was co-designed with stroke survivors, health professionals and other key stake holders in Phase 1 (now complete).\n\nAfter rehabilitation, survivors are signposted to exercise opportunities to support recovery. Despite this, many struggle with motivation and feel abandoned by services after rehabilitation. Consequently, participation in physical activity and exercise is low.\n\nSMS interventions can improve motivation and adherence to physical activity (PA) and could ameliorate feelings of abandonment at the end of rehabilitation. Our pilot work shows that most stroke survivors use SMS messaging. An SMS intervention that provides real-time support is a potentially effective way to enhance motivation, combat the feeling of abandonment and support PA and exercise adherence. \n\nThe intervention will be delivered in two waves to around 40 stroke survivors who are at the end of rehabilitation. Potential participants, identified by rehabilitation therapists, will receive the SMS intervention over 12 weeks. The intervention will be pilot tested with 14 stroke survivors in Wave 1, then following revisions and refinement, will then be tested with 30 participants in Wave 2. Participants will be interviewed by telephone to ascertain their views on acceptability and usefulness of the intervention. \n \nThe intervention will be refined using the Collaborative Working Group (CWG) methodology, a formalised stakeholder consultation process. The CWG comprises the research team, stroke survivors, health professionals and academics. A structured decision-making process will be used to revise and refine the intervention, using data available throughout the study (scientific evidence, interview data and field notes). Amendments, made at the end of Phase 2 will provide a final intervention to be tested in a full randomised controlled trial.\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
21/NS/0028
Date of REC Opinion
14 Mar 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion