FAQs

Where is the study recruiting from?

We are a Sheffield-based study, and as such are primarily recruiting from areas within South Yorkshire, given that the study will require in-person visits. 

What if I don't live near Sheffield?

If you live further away but still wish to be a part of the study, there is still a possibility for your recruitment! As long as you are able to travel to Sheffield for multiple visits, we reimburse up to £20 of travel fees per visit. Further details and logistics can be discussed in the eligibility screening call.

Can I combine multiple visits in one?

We are aware that the people we work with are fatigued easily, or may simply have busier schedules than others - and as such, for the more involved participants opting into the MRI and CPET sub-studies, coming in for six total visits can be difficult. That is why we are open to rolling these visits into one or two longer visits before and after your treatment, to fit around your schedule. Further details can be discussed in the eligibility screening call.

What if I get tired during a visit?

We are very much prepared for our participants - who suffer from fatigue - to get a bit fatigued! We will schedule in breaks for as frequently as is needed, and encourage you to bring anything you think would be helpful in keeping your energy up (e.g. a snack).

How long will I be a part of this study?

You will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, which consist of either a six-week intervention or a twelve-week intervention.

Can I withdraw partway through the study?

Yes, you can withdraw at any time, with no repercussions. Withdrawing will not affect your access to healthcare.

Do I need to provide a reason for withdrawing from the study?

No, you do not need to provide a reason. However, you are more than welcome to provide a reason, as this can be documented by the researchers and used to implement changes in recruitment and procedures for the rest of the study.

Can I access my data?

Yes, you have the right to request and be provided with any data or measures taken from you. This study will be conducted in accordance with the Data Protection Act (2018) - you can read more about your data and rights in the link provided.

Will my data be anonymous?

Yes - the only people who will be able to connect your data to your identity will be the researchers in immediate contact with you as well as the Principal Investigators of the study (Dr Ali Ali and Prof. Arshad Majid, see the Meet the team page). You will be assigned an individual code which is how you will be referred to in all publications and correspondences with others (e.g. the Stroke Association).

What will happen once the study is finished?

Once the study is done, we will evaluate all of the data and publish it. If RIC is as effective as we believe it will be, then this could lead to further studies down the line. We hope that, provided the success of the study, RIC can be implemented as a widespread and simple at-home therapy to help stroke survivors. 

What questionnaires will I need to fill out?

You may be asked to complete the following questionnaires during the study: Stroke Impact Scale (3.0), Fatigue Severity Scale-7, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7, EuroQol-5 Dimension, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

Why is it called RICFAST 2?

RICFAST stands for Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke. The 2 represents that this is the second RICFAST study to have been undertaken following the first, smaller pilot study.

What are Pressures 1 and 2? (See the About the trial page.)

RICFAST 2 is what is called a "blind study". This means that it is important that the participants do not know some of the details, such as the different pressures being tested. Simply being aware of what they are could change the outcomes that we are measuring. However, this is the only detail that we will keep hidden - we want to be as transparent as possible!