Have you had a TIA or 'mini-stroke'? You can help!
Monitoring people’s risk of having another stroke after a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or mini-stroke – a control group for the S+SLAM-TIA study
Researchers are inviting people who have had a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), mini-stroke or mild stroke who are interested in volunteering to help with stroke research.
Volunteers will have measurements and monitoring of risk factors for future stroke such as blood pressure, body composition, activity levels and diet. These will be monitored over a 6-month period including four appointments at HMRI, and monitoring at home.
This group of people will form the control group for a larger study. This means that they will not receive any treatment or medical advice from the research team, and instead continue under the usual advice of their local doctor. Measurements collected from people in this control group will be compared with measurements of a group of people testing a new program for stroke prevention, run by the Hunter New England Local Health District.
Who can participate in the research?
People who have had a TIA or ‘mini-stroke’, or a stroke that has not resulted in significant disability and have not taken part in the program Service change and Supporting Lifestyle and Activity Modification after TIA (S+SLAM-TIA).
If you’re unsure if you fit this criteria, a discussion with the researchers can help you decide if this research is right for you. You can contact Dr Heidi Janssen on (02) 4042 0417 or Heidi.Janssen@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au.
Why is the research being done?
15% of people who people who have had a TIA or one small stroke will go on to have another stroke or cardiovascular event (like a heart attack) within 5 years. There is research evidence that shows increased activity, modifications to diet and other changes may reduce the chances of people having a second stroke or cardiovascular event. What’s not proven yet is the best way to support people to manage these changes in real life.
Hunter New England Health’s Community Stroke Team are currently testing a community-based education and exercise program that aims to reduce risk factors for a second stroke or cardiovascular event in people who have had a TIA or small stroke.
Participants for this study will be controls enabling researchers can determine the effectiveness of the program. Participants in both studies will have the same monitoring and measurements taken.
If I take part, what will I be asked to do?
If you take part in the control group study, you will be asked to come to HMRI for four (4) visits over a period of about six (6) months.
Free, reserved parking will be provided or we can arrange a taxi (within 15km of HMRI) if you don’t drive.
Each appointment is approx 90 min, and researchers will
- Measure weight and hips/waist circumference
- Measure grip strength
- Ask questions about lifestyle, diet and exercise
- Ask questions thinking and memory
For 7 days after each visit, at home you will be asked to:
- Take your blood pressure, with a blood pressure monitor that is loaned out to you
- Wear an activity monitor on your thigh
- Wear an activity monitor around your waist.
At 3 of the appointments, a small sample of hair is taken to test stress levels, and you will then be asked to visit a local blood collection centre for a blood test.
You may be seen by one or more of the following researchers:
- Ms Diana Colvin, Physiotherapist & Research Assistant
- Mr David Shakespeare, Physiotherapist & Research Assistant
- Ms Nicole de Carteret, Physiotherapist & Research Assistant
- Ms Kim Perry-Rigg, Research Assistant
- Dr Heidi Janssen, Physiotherapist & Stroke Researcher
Download detailed participant information statement
Click here to download participant information statement
Register your interest
To find out more or to register your interest please contact our team on (02) 4042 0417 Heidi.Janssen@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au.
Hunter Stroke Research Register
This study is also inviting people from the Stroke Research Register - Hunter to participate. To be invited to participate in other studies in stroke rehabilitation and recovery, register here.