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The Effects of Naturalistic Light on Post Stroke Complications Related Brain Areas in Stroke Patients During Admission for Rehabilitation.

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06922409

PhaseNA

Enrollment45

SponsorRigshospitalet, Denmark

Age18 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

Post Stroke Depression, Post Stroke Fatigue, Circadian Dysregulation, Stroke

About this study

Background: Light is the most important regulator of circadian rhythm. Naturalistic light, which contains the spectrum of sunlight throughout the day, has been shown to have a positive impact on mental states such as depression and fatigue in stroke and other diseases requiring long-term hospitalization. Depression and fatigue are very common complications after stroke, with a frequency of 30% and 85%, respectively. Both are significantly related to reduced quality of life and early death. Both the causes and pathophysiology behind these complications are unknown, but it is assumed that disturbances (inflammation and cell death) in brain areas and brain networks related to arousal, sleep, circadian rhythm, and the frontal lobe play a role. The hypothesis is that it is possible to detect changes in brain networks related to depression and fatigue by MRI, and that naturalistic light will affect these changes. Method: Stroke patients requiring a minimum of 10 days of rehabilitation are transferred to a neurorehabilitation unit with naturalistic lighting. Examination: Validated tests for fatigue, depression, sleep and cognitive functions. Pathophysiological studies: * MRI focusing on cerebral blood flow, metabolism, and cerebral networks. * Spinal fluid analyses for hormones and markers involved in immunological response as well as wakefulness/arousal and depression. * Sleep assessments.

Interventions

Device: Naturalistic Light Intervention — Naturalistic light as an Intervention A 24-hour naturalistic lighting scheme is implemented in all areas and rooms in the unit at Rigshospitalet Glostrup with a computer-controlled lighting scheme (ChromaViso, Denmark). The naturalistic lighting scheme is constantly running. The lighting imitate the sunlight rhythm following the principles of Lucas et al.

Primary outcomes

Fatigue and depression (From admission at the rehabilitation unit to the time of discharge aprox. 10 days.)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scoring moderate-severe fatigue and/or depression OR NO fatigue and/or depressione which are evaluated as candidates for the rehabilitation unit. Exclusion Criteria: * GCS \< 15 * No functioning nervus opticus or retina in both eyes * Unable to open both eyes * Non communicating patients e.g. severe aphasia (incompetent patients) * Unable to cooperate to the physical examinations * Less than 10 days of hospitalization in the rehabilitation department * Claustrophobia * If the sub investigator finds the study participant unfit to conduct the investigations

Study locations

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - University of Copenhagen, Glostrup Municipality, Capital Region 2600 Denmark

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.