Change in radial artery pulse wave in stroke hemiplegic patients: Protocol for a case-control study

INTRODUCTION: About 55% to 75% of stroke survivors have motor disorders and problems that affect their quality of life. The prevention of secondary neurological damages through relapse prevention and the rehabilitation of stroke patients suffering from morbidities are crucial to improve the prognosis of patients with stroke. Pulse examinations can be used to determine the stroke progression. This study will investigate the differences and changes in radial artery pressure-pulse waves during the treatment of hemiplegia caused by stroke. METHODS/DESIGN: This study protocol is for a prospective matched case-control study. A total of 84 participants will be recruited, 56 patients with hemiplia caused by stroke, and 28 control patients matched by age, gender, and body mass index. The primary outcome of this study will be the differences and changes in the radial augmentation index. DISCUSSION: The results of the study will help to determine the differences and changes in radial artery pressure-pulse waves during the treatment of hemiplegia caused by stroke. The findings will provide information about the physiological and hemodynamic mechanisms. CONCLUSION: This will be the first study to analyze the pulse wave of the radial artery (PWRA) on the affected side and on the normal side in stroke patients with hemiplegia. This study will clarify whether the radial artery pressure pulse wave can be used to evaluate the result of stroke treatment objectively. The results of the study will be available in February 2019. The version of the protocol is v1.6 written in March 7, 2016. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Wonkwang University Gwangju Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea (WKIRB-2016/8). The study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This trial was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) of the Korea National Institute of Health (NIH), Republic of Korea (KCT0002147).