Starfish in stroke RCT

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Increasing physical activity in stroke survivors using STARFISH, an interactive mobile phone application: a randomised controlled study

  • IRAS ID

    183379

  • Contact name

    Lorna Paul

  • Contact email

    lorna.paul@gcu.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    NCT02494245

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    UKCRN ID 19275 , NRS Stroke Research Network

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Stroke is one of the most common disabling conditions worldwide. Physical inactivity post-stroke is associated with increased risk for recurrent stroke and cardiovascular disease. Our previous Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) funded pilot study reported that, compared to matched healthy controls, people with chronic stroke were significantly less physically active and more sedentary. This physical activity profile may result in secondary health problems and risk of further stroke. We have developed STARFISH, a smartphone app, which aims to encourage users to become more physically active. The sensors within a standard smartphone record the number of steps taken per day by the individual. STARFISH is undertaken in groups of four and each group member receives a personalised daily step count target. Each person is represented by coloured fish, and they can see their own and other group members’ fish in a fish tank on their smartphone. When the participant is walking, their fish swims and blows bubbles and, as they progress towards their daily step count target, their fish’s fins and tail grow. When all group members reach their target on five days of the week, the group is rewarded by another sea creature appearing in their fish tank (e.g. a seahorse). The aim of the study is to compare objectively measured physical activity in stroke survivors who have undertaken a four month physical activity intervention using the STARFISH application with a control group receiving four months of usual care. Also to compare sedentary time, activity profiles, walking endurance, walking speed, activities of daily living (ADL), fatigue, anxiety and depression, quality of life and metabolic health-risk biomarkers between the intervention and control group.

  • REC name

    West of Scotland REC 3

  • REC reference

    15/WS/0173

  • Date of REC Opinion

    18 Sep 2015

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion