AVERT | International stroke rehabilitation database for research projects

AVERT is an international trial focused on commencing frequent, higher dose, mobilisation within 24 hours of stroke and compared to usual stroke unit care (Lancet 2015). The study was a parallel-group, single blind, randomised controlled trial. There were 2104 patients recruited between July 2006 and October 2014 from 56 acute stroke units in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. Data collected included: stroke screening, baseline demographic and mobilisation intervention. Three- and 12-month outcomes included disability, mobility, health related quality of life, mood, cognition and costs. Serious and non-serious adverse events were collected. The trial protocol is available to download. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, number ACTRN12606000185561.

AVERT provides a large international stroke rehabilitation database and is an important resource for ongoing research. The database has potential uses of the data extending beyond the AVERT Statistical Analysis Plan and Economic Evaluation Plan.

The study investigators encourage and solicit project proposals with the aim of publication. There are procedures and processes in place to permit access to study data for project analysis and publication through a review and approval process under the governance of the AVERT Management Committee. Under these procedures and processes, any investigator at any university or research institute can propose a project. When approved, one or more members of the AVERT Management Committee will be nominated as a co-investigator/s and collaborate on the project.

If you are interested in accessing the AVERT database, please familiarise yourself with the procedures and processes and data collected. Then complete and submit an Expression of Interest Form and a two-page summary CV to [email protected].

Awards

The AVERT trial has been named by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) as one of the five most important trials published in the years 2014–2019. Trials were nominated by PEDro users and judged by an international panel of experts.