135 OptiCogs: feasibility of a multicomponent intervention to rehabilitate people with cognitive impairment post-stroke

Abstract

Abstract Background Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite the prevalence and associated burden of cognitive impairment post-stroke, there is uncertainty regarding optimal cognitive rehabilitation for people post-stroke. This study aimed to assess whether a multicomponent intervention, OptiCogs, is feasible, acceptable and safe for people with cognitive impairment post-stroke. A secondary aim was to explore changes in cognitive function, fatigue, quality of life, physical function and occupational performance. Methods A feasibility study was conducted where people post-stroke with cognitive impairment enrolled in a 6-week multicomponent intervention. The primary outcomes recorded included response rate, recruitment rate, retention rate, adherence to the intervention protocol, adverse events and acceptability of the intervention to people post-stroke. Secondary outcomes included (i) change in cognitive functioning, (ii) fatigue, (iii) quality of life (iv) physical function, and (v) patient-reported occupational performance. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials extension reporting guidelines were followed, for pilot and feasibility studies, to standardise the conduct and reporting of this study. Results The response rate was 10.9%. Nine eligible participants were enrolled during the 4 month recruitment period, with eight participants completing the entire six-week intervention, as well as the pre and post-intervention outcome measures. There were no reported adverse events. Participants were satisfied with the intervention and found it acceptable overall. Results of the secondary outcomes were promising for cognitive function (Pre: 63.3 ± 23.9 to Post: 69 ± 24.6), fatigue (Pre: 52.5 ± 7.3 to Post: 45.6 ± 7.2), quality of life (Pre: 131.0 ± 26.3 to Post: 169.9 ± 15.3), physical function (Pre: 15.5 ± 6.3 to Post: 15.8 ± 5.3) and occupational performance (Pre: 9.3 ± 2.3 to Post: 22.9 ± 4.2). Conclusion Preliminary results suggest low-modest recruitment and high retention rates to the OptiCogs intervention. Changes in cognitive function, fatigue, quality of life and self-reported occupational performance show improvement from pre to post-intervention. These potential benefits require further testing in a definitive trial.