Optimizing Recruitment to Drive Equitable Research Opportunity in Stroke Rehabilitation Trials in Canada

What this study is about

Stroke is a major health issue in Canada. Stroke affects over 400,000 Canadians, and this number is expected to nearly double by 2038. Research studies in stroke recovery can help us better understand effective rehabilitation treatments and help reduce the burden of stroke. Some groups of people however are commonly not included in stroke studies. For example, it is more common for men to take part in research than women, and people with aphasia (a language impairment commonly seen after stroke) are often excluded from studies. Also, deciding whether to even take part in a research study can be difficult and overwhelming, especially in the early days after stroke, leaving many people to decline to participate. Research has shown that women experience different barriers to participating in stroke research than men. This means that research findings, and the decisions made during stroke care based on these findings, may not reflect the true stroke population. Better ways to help support groups like women and people with aphasia to participate in stroke research are needed, so that study findings will better represent people living with stroke.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Primary ischemic anterior circulation stroke
• Age ≥18 years
• ≥5 days but <8 weeks after stroke on the date of medication (Maraviroc or placebo) start
• Hemiparesis requiring inpatient rehabilitation
• Assistance available for daily rehabilitation training practice and for transportation when needed
• Adequate language skills to understand Informed Consent and retain information during daily therapies
• At least one of the following: some shoulder abduction with gravity eliminated and visible extension in two or more digits OR visible hip flexion or extension

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Pre-stroke modified Rankin score ≥2
• Limited resources or illness that will not enable a return to living outside of a facility
• History of dementia
• History of hepatitis or elevated hepatic transaminases or bilirubin
• History of renal insufficiency or creatinine clearance (eGFR) <60mL / min / 1.73m2
• Cancer or other chronic illness that makes 1-year survival unlikely or will detract from the ability to carry out exercise and skills practice
• Existing pre-stroke serious disabling disease (e.g., Parkinson's disease, severe traumatic brain injury, amputation)
• Seizure related to stroke
• Acute or chronic epilepsy
• Currently taking any of the following anticonvulsant medications: Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin
• Pregnant, breastfeeding, or positive test for pregnancy at baseline
• Women of childbearing potential who are not using one highly effective form of contraception or two forms of effective contraception
• Known HIV positivity
• Currently taking any of the following antifungal and/or antibacterial medications: Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Voriconazole, Rifampin, Clarithromycin, Rifabutin + Protease Inhibitor
• Currently taking St. John's Wort

Where this trial is running

• University of Calgary & Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• University of British Columbia & GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
• Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

Ada Tang, PT PhD · 289-426-5768 · atang@mcmaster.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06576089.