The objective of this study was to conduct a randomized, parallel-group clinical trial assessed the efficacy of a health-enhancing physical activity program (exercise and education) on vascular risk factors and aerobic fitness in patients who have experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or nondisabling stroke. Sixty patients (69 +/- 11 years) completed a baseline (BL) vascular risk stratification and aerobic fitness examination (cycle test) within 2 weeks of symptom onset. Subjects were then randomized to either an 8-week, twice weekly exercise program or to a usual-care control (CON) group. Postintervention (PI) assessments were completed immediately after the intervention and at 3-month follow-up. A series of primary (systolic blood pressure (SBP)) and secondary (vascular risk factors like total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoproteins, etc; Framingham risk score; peak oxygen uptake) outcome measures were assessed. Significantly greater reductions in SBP (mean change +/- SD; -10.4 +/- 9.2 mmHg) and TC (-0.53 +/- 0.90 mmol/L) were observed between BL and PI assessments for the exercise group compared with the CON group (-1.9 +/- 15.4 mmHg and -0.08 +/- 0.59 mmol/L, respectively) (p < 0.05). These improvements were maintained between the PI and the 3-month follow-up assessment (p > 0.05). Significant improvements in aerobic fitness were also observed and maintained at the 3-month follow-up assessment after regular exercise participation (p < 0.05). The early engagement in exercise resulted in significant improvements in vascular risk factors and fitness in those diagnosed with TIA. As these beneficial effects were maintained up to 3 months after completing the exercise program, exercise should be considered a useful additive treatment strategy for newly diagnosed TIA patients. Future research should examine the long-term efficacy of such programs.
Copyright by WB Saunders Company.

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