The long-term effect of exercise on vascular risk factors and aerobic fitness in those with transient ischaemic attack: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE:Exercise has beneficial effects on vascular risk factors in transient ischaemic attack (TIA) patients within the sub-acute phase. This study examined whether TIA patients randomized to an early exercise and education programme within 2 weeks of TIA diagnosis would demonstrate improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and aerobic fitness 12 months post-diagnosis compared with control patients.METHODS:A single-centre, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial. Sixty TIA patients (69 ± 11 years) completed a vascular risk stratification baseline assessment and a physical fitness examination. Individuals were randomized to either an 8-week early exercise and education group or control group. Fifty-one patients attended post-intervention assessments that were completed immediately (post-intervention) and 12 months after (12PI).RESULTS:A significantly greater improvement in resting SBP was observed between baseline and post-intervention for EX than for CON (-11 mmHg cf. -1 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.05). The improvement in SBP was maintained between post-intervention and 12PI (P > 0.05). Similar findings were demonstrated for BMI, bodyweight and peak oxygen uptake (P < 0.05). Exercise blood pressure, pulse pressure and double product (SBP x heart rate; an indication of myocardial workload) were significantly lower at post-intervention and 12PI for EX than for CON (all P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:An 8-week exercise programme soon after TIA resulted in beneficial changes in resting and exercise blood pressure that were maintained for 12 months