Mobile technology for primary stroke prevention: a proof-of-concept pilot randomised controlled trial

<p><strong>Background and Purpose:</strong> Feasibility of utilizing the Stroke Riskometer App (App) to improve stroke awareness and modify stroke risk behaviors was assessed to inform a full randomized controlled trial.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> A p...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Krishnamurthi, R, Hale, L, Barker-Collo, S, Theadom, A, Bhattacharjee, R, George, A, Arroll, B, Ranta, A, Waters, D, Wilson, D, Sandiford, P, Gall, S, Parmar, P, Bennett, D, Feigin, V
Format: Journal article
Language:English
Published: American Heart Association 2018
Description
Summary:<p><strong>Background and Purpose:</strong> Feasibility of utilizing the Stroke Riskometer App (App) to improve stroke awareness and modify stroke risk behaviors was assessed to inform a full randomized controlled trial.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> A parallel, open-label, 2-arm prospective, proof-of-concept pilot randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized to usual care/control or App intervention group and assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months. The App measures stroke risk and provides information on management of risk factors. Participants were aged >19 years with at least 2 modifiable stroke risk factors identified, no prior stroke, and owned a smartphone.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Fifty participants (24 control, 26 App) were recruited from 148 eligible participants. Retention in the trial was 87%. Mean cardiovascular health (Life’s Simple 7) improved by 0.36 (95% CI, −2.10 to 1.38) in the App group compared with 0.01 (95% CI, −1.34 to 1.32) in controls (P=0.6733).</p> <p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> These findings support a full randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of the Stroke Riskometer for primary stroke prevention.</p>