Emotional Recovery Post-Stroke

BEHAVIORAL

modified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (mCBT)

The theoretical model underling Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) explains the interaction of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors during life situations. This model suggests that a person's thoughts/feeling/behaviors affect their functioning during life situations. This contrasts with a common belief that one's functioning during life situations is the only way to effect thoughts/feelings/behaviors. Applied to stroke, this model suggests that the stroke survivor can alter his/her functioning during life situations by altering his/her thoughts/feelings/behaviors. The purpose of CBT is to empower the person with the skills to alter his/her thoughts/feelings/behaviors in order to positively affect function in life situations. The mCBT intervention includes 4 elements: psychoeducation, education about unhelpful thinking, behavioral activation therapy, education on sleep hygiene, and relaxation training.

BEHAVIORAL

Occupational or Speech Therapy

If the participant demonstrates aphasia of any severity level on the Revised Western Aphasia Battery (WAB-R) assessment given at the PRE session, the subject will receive ST, provided by a Speech Language Pathologists (SLP), stroke telerehabilitation. If there is no aphasia, the subject will receive OT stroke telerehabilitation. The OT and ST stroke telerehabilitation sessions will utilize a similar metacognitive strategy training approach which is focused on enabling the stroke survivor to re-engage with meaningful life activities. In the Occupational Therapy literature this approach is called Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP) and in the Speech Language Pathology Literature this approach is called the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA). Telerehabilitation CO-OP and LPAA within the OT or ST session include three common elements: Shared decision-making for goal setting, guidance/coaching from the therapist, and self-evaluation.

Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWS)

Time frame: Baseline, pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention, Week 8.

14-item scale of mental well-being rated by participants on a 5-point scale (1=low, 5=high). Summed item ratings are reported out of 70 points so that higher scores indicate greater mental wellbeing.

Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS)

Time frame: Baseline, pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention, Week 8.

A patient-reported measure of task-goal identification and difficulty performing the task on a 0-10-point ordinal scale with higher ratings indicating greater satisfaction with task performance.

Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale (SAQoL)

Time frame: Baseline, pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention, Week 8.

39-item stroke-specific measure of health-related quality of life rated by participants on a 5-point scale (1 = couldn't do it at all, 5 = no trouble at all). An overall mean score is computed as well as three domain scores: physical, communication, and psychosocial. Higher scores indicate better quality of life.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.