Life After STroke - the LAST Study

The LAST study is a Norwegian multi site randomised controlled trial that intends to assess the effect of a long term follow up program after stroke. The program consists of a coordinating physiotherapist who will encourage and motivate included patients to perform at least 60 minutes of intensive motor training every week and 30 minutes of physical activity every day for 18 months after inclusion. The primary hypothesis is that patients receiving a long term follow up program after stroke will have better motor function at end of follow up than patients receiving standard care. A total of 390 home dwelling stroke patients living in the municipality of Trondheim, Asker and Bærum will be included at the out-patient clinic at St. Olavs Hospital or Bærum Hospital three months after their stroke. Included patients will be randomised to an intervention group receiving the long term follow up program or to a control group receiving standard care. Motor function, mental health and physical functioning in daily life will be assessed at inclusion and 18 months later. The LAST study is funded by the Norwegian Research Council, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the Central Norway Regional Health Authority and will conclude at the end of 2015.