A feasibility randomised controlled trial of a computerised spatial inattention grasping home-based therapy (C-Sight) for spatial neglect post-stroke: Trial update

Introduction: Spatial neglect is a debilitating and complex neuropsychological syndrome defined as a failure to respond to stimuli in the side of space opposite to the side of the brain injury. Despite its clinical impact, there are currently no clinically effective rehabilitation methods. Working closely with end-users, we have developed a computerised version of Spatial Inattention Grasping Home-based Therapy (c-SIGHT; Morse et al., 2020). C-SIGHT can remotely record adherence, facilitate self-administration and has the potential to increase enjoyment and independence. Our ongoing trial aims to investigate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial using c-SIGHT vs. an attentional control in stroke survivors’ homes, while also exploring stroke survivors and carers’ views self-administering the therapy.

Methods: This is a two-arm, double-blinded randomised controlled feasibility study, which aims to recruit 46 stroke survivors with spatial neglect who are then allocated using minimisation to self-administer c-SIGHT (n = 23) or an attentional control (n = 23) in their own homes for 10 days. Participants complete a battery of neuropsychological tests and questionnaires at three time points (baseline, post-training, one-month follow-up) and one semi-structured interview after using c-SIGHT. Primary outcomes are feasibility parameters (recruitment, blinding success, adherence, follow-up rates) to inform a future trial. Secondary outcomes are changes in neglect, cognition and activities of daily living.

Results: Despite disruption to the research study due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trial has successfully opened up at four sites around the East of England.

Conclusions: Current progress and feasibility parameters and any available preliminary results will be presented.