Conclusions Stroke secondary prevention lifestyle interventions are effective in terms of affecting positive change in relation to lifestyle behaviours , physiological and secondary outcomes .
However , there was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of intervention on incidence of stroke recurrence .
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background Each year , approximately 15 million people worldwide have a stroke ; of these , five million die and another five million are chronically disabled .
Stroke recurs in approximately 25 % of patients during the first five years post-stroke ; recurrence may result in death , increased disability or institutionalisation .
Modifiable risk factors for recurrent stroke have been identified , and may be addressed by means of behavioural health promotion interventions .
Objectives This systematic review sought to establish the effectiveness of secondary prevention behavioural interventions , which address one or more modifiable lifestyle risk factors for recurrent stroke i.e. tobacco use , unhealthy diet , physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption .
Does behaviour modification affect post-stroke risk factor control? Three-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial
Objective : Little is known about the long-term effectiveness after stroke of interventions for behaviour modification and ensuring concordance with therapies . We describe a follow-up study of a previous r and omized controlled trial of a brief period of behaviour modification . The aim of this study was to determine outcomes three years after the initial intervention . Design : Survivors of the original cohort were contacted and asked to attend for follow-up interview , within a geriatric day hospital . This study was carried out in the Geriatric Day Hospital at Stobhill Hospital , Balornock Road , Glasgow . Interventions : Details of risk factor control , including blood pressure , cholesterol levels and diabetic control , were assessed . Question naires used in the initial study were repeated including the Geriatric Depression Scale score , Euroqol Perceived Health Status and Stroke Services Satisfaction Question naire . Main measures : Primary outcome was collective risk factor control . Clinical outcomes including recurrent cerebrovascular events , medication persistence and perceived health status were also recorded . Results : Mean length of follow-up was 3.6 years ( SD 0.43 ) . Of the 205 patients enrolled in the initial study , 102 patients attended for repeat interview ( 49 intervention/53 control ) . There were no significant differences in the percentage of controlled risk factors between groups ( intervention 51.7 % versus control 55.9 % , P = 0.53 ) . Similarities were observed in the number of recurrent clinical events and medication persistence between groups . No overall difference was observed in perceived health status , satisfaction with care or depression scores . Conclusions : Brief intervention with respect to behaviour modification and risk factor control does not appear to have any long-term benefit . These results must be cautiously interpreted in light of the small study number and further research is required
Conclusions Stroke secondary prevention lifestyle interventions are effective in terms of affecting positive change in relation to lifestyle behaviours , physiological and secondary outcomes .
However , there was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of intervention on incidence of stroke recurrence .
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background Each year , approximately 15 million people worldwide have a stroke ; of these , five million die and another five million are chronically disabled .
Stroke recurs in approximately 25 % of patients during the first five years post-stroke ; recurrence may result in death , increased disability or institutionalisation .
Modifiable risk factors for recurrent stroke have been identified , and may be addressed by means of behavioural health promotion interventions .
Objectives This systematic review sought to establish the effectiveness of secondary prevention behavioural interventions , which address one or more modifiable lifestyle risk factors for recurrent stroke i.e. tobacco use , unhealthy diet , physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption .