Increasing physical activity in stroke survivors using STARFISH, an interactive smartphone application: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) in stroke survivors is low however the ubiquitous nature of smartphone technology means smartphone-based interventions could be a feasible and cost-effective approach to increase PA. We developed STARFISH, a group behavioural change intervention delivered via a smartphone app to help increase PA. OBJECTIVE: Following the positive results of our pilot study the aim of this single-blind, Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) is to examine the effect of the STARFISH intervention, on PA in stroke survivors, compared to usual care. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight community dwelling stroke survivors will be recruited, from four NHS boards in Scotland, and randomised to intervention or control groups. The interventional groups will use the STARFISH app. The control group will receive literature on PA post-stroke. Outcome measures will be taken at: baseline, four months (end of the intervention), two months post-intervention. The primary outcome will be objectively measured PA. Secondary outcome measures will be sedentary time, activity profiles, walking speed and endurance, fatigue, anxiety and depression, activities of daily living, quality of life and metabolic health-risk biomarkers. CONCLUSION: If improvements are found in the PA and health of stroke survivors then STARFISH could be deployed through app stores to allow implementation at scale.