ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026OT136 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF HOME-BASED STRUCTURED PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE (HOPE-STROKE 2): A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED, OPEN-LABEL, BLINDED ENDPOINT TRIAL-2

Abstract Background and aims Low physical exercise is an important risk factor for stroke-related disability. Clinical guidelines recommend incorporating regular physical exercise into the management of stroke survivors, particularly aerobic physical exercise. However, exercise prescriptions based on in-hospital or gym settings are challenging to sustain in the long term. The efficacy and safety of home-based structured physical exercise in patients with acute ischemic stroke remain uncertain. Methods This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of home-based structured physical exercise in patients within 14 days of acute ischemic stroke. Results This is a multi-center, prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label, blinded endpoint assessment trial involving 208 participants. People were eligible if they were at least 18 years old, had an acute ischemic stroke within 14 days of onset, and were able to perform aerobic physical exercise. They will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either home-based structured physical exercise plus usual care or usual care alone. The primary outcome is the change in walking endurance, measured by the 6-Minute Walk Test from baseline to 90 days. Safety outcomes include fall rate and all-cause mortality. Conclusions Results from this study will indicate whether home-based structured physical exercise is effective to improve walking endurance for patients with acute ischemic stroke within 14 days of onset. It will also offer a new direction for the management of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Conflict of interest