Effects of over-ground walking and cognitive rehabilitation on cognition, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, participation and quality of life among stroke survivors: a study protocol

Abstract

Background

Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) is an important component of stroke rehabilitation. Most of the strategies used for this purpose are not readily affordable. This is the protocol of a trial to investigate the effects of over-ground walking (OGW) exercise and CR on cognitive function among stroke survivors.

Methods

This is a three-centre, single blind, randomised controlled trial (RCT). Fifty-seven stroke survivors with mild to moderate cognitive impairments will be recruited from three healthcare facilities and randomly assigned into three groups. Group A will receive moderate intensity OGW exercise. Group B will receive CR using an adapted cognitive intervention comprising an attention and a memory tasks. Group C will receive combine OGW and CR exercise. All interventions will be thrice weekly for 8 weeks. Outcomes to be assessed at baseline, 4th and 8th week of interventions are cognition, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), quality of life and participation using Mini-Mental State Examination, Melsin brand ELISA kit, stroke-specific quality of life and London Handicap Scale, respectively. Friedman and Kruskal–Wallis tests will be used for within-group and between-group comparison of data.

Discussion

This trial is the first to examine the effect of OGW exercise on cognition and BDNF among stroke survivors.

Keywords:

• Over-ground walking
• cognition
• attention
• brain-derived neurotrophic factor
• rehabilitation
• stroke

Acknowledgements

The work was funded by the Nigerian Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) under the post-graduate scholarship scheme - P.100/6204.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).