A randomized controlled trial to assess the psychosocial effects of early exercise engagement in patients diagnosed with transient ischaemic attack and mild, non-disabling stroke.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of an early exercise and education programme on psychosocial health of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and mild, non-disabling stroke patients.

Design: Randomized, parallel-group, clinical trial.

Setting: Hospital and academic institution.

Participants: A total of 55 newly diagnosed transient ischaemic attack/mild stroke patients (Mean[SD]; 69[11]y).

Intervention: Participants were randomized to either an eight-week, twice weekly, 90-minute exercise and education programme (experimental group) or to a usual care control group.

Main measures: Psychosocial measures (SF-36, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Profile of Mood States, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Stroke Awareness Questionnaire) were assessed at baseline and eight-week and 12-month follow-up.

Results: The experimental group demonstrated improvements in the Physical Component Score (Mean[SD]; 44.1[11.7] to 47.4[11.3]%), Vitality (46.5[12.4] to 54.2[14.2]%), Physical Functioning (45.6[10.7] to 51.9[14.7]%), Role Physical (38.7[10.8] to 43.1[13.6]%) and Global Health (49.1[10.3] to 54.4[13.6]%) from the SF-36, at the eight-week follow-up assessment (P < 0.05). There were no further changes in these measures between the eight-week and 12-month follow-up assessment (P > 0.05). The experimental group demonstrated a greater awareness of the signs and symptoms associated with stroke (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the Mental Component Score (SF-36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale or the International Physical Activity Questionnaire between treatment groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Early engagement in an exercise and education programme may improve physical health perceptions in transient ischaemic attack/mild stroke patients. However, secondary prevention exercise and education programmes warrant further research with regards to their effects on perceptions of mental health in this population group.