MoveIT, cognition and aerobic exercise after transient ischemic attack or minor stroke.

This study is a single-blind, randomized controlled single centre trial with an inclusion period of 1.5 year and a follow-up period of 1 year, with a second assessment at 2 years. All patients, who have recently suffered from a TIA or minor stroke and meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria, will be asked to participate in the study. 120 patients will be included. After informed consent, patients will be randomly assigned to the control group, who will receive standard care, or the physical activity program. The physical activity program consists of an aerobic exercise program of 12 weeks and follow-up care under supervision of a physiotherapist. Outcome measures for all groups will be assessed at baseline and after 12 and 24 months of follow-up. This assessment consists of a neuropsychological assessment, a maximal exercise test, filling out questionnaires about physical activity, fatigue, depression and cognitive functioning, a venipuncture to measure the cholesterol level and a blood pressure measurement.

The primary goal of this trial is to demonstrate that a physical activity program, which consists of an exercise program and follow-up care under supervision of a specialized physiotherapist, can prevent the frequently observed decline in global cognitive functioning in patients after TIA or minor stroke.

Outcome measures for all groups will be assessed at baseline and after 12 and 24 months of follow-up.

After informed consent, patients will be randomly assigned to the control group, who will receive standard care, or the physical activity program.

The physical activity program consists of an aerobic exercise program of 12 weeks and follow-up care by a physiotherapist. The exercise program consists of aerobic exercise and strength training, 2 times per week during 12 weeks. In week 2 of the exercise program patients will also start with 30-minute exercises 3 times per week at home. After the exercise program the patient will be seen in a follow-up care program by the physiotherapist at 6, 9 and 12 months after inclusion.