AVERT | International stroke rehabilitation database for research projects

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 (PDF, 522KB). 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 AVERT trial informed the protocol development of the international multicentre AVERT Dose trial | Determining the most effective mobility training program early after stroke.

The study investigators encourage and solicit project proposals with the aim of publication. Interested investigators should contact the AVERT Management Committee at [email protected] for further information. Please complete and submit an Expression of Interest form (DOC,47KB) 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.