Health-enhancing physical activity programme (HEPAP) for transient ischaemic attack and non-disabling stroke: recruitment and compliance

Abstract

Aim: To assess the feasibility of recruiting and retaining patients newly diagnosed with a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) into an 8-week exercise programme.

Methods: The study was a single-centre, randomised-controlled trial. TIA was confirmed by a specialist stroke physician within 7 days of symptom onset. Following baseline assessment, participants were randomised to either an 8-week exercise intervention or control group (usual care). Participants completed a further assessment 2 months after baseline.

Results: Of the 285 individuals diagnosed with TIA, 97 patients were invited to participate in the trial, of which 60 were successfully recruited (62%). Of those invited, 89% were identified within outpatient care. Individuals were typically of European descent (87%) and lived within 20 km of the study site (81%). Distance to travel was considered the primary barrier for non-participation (46%). Three participants (5%) did not attend the follow-up assessment.

Conclusion: Individuals with TIA were successfully recruited and retained into a RCT. A different approach is required to study interventions in Maori, Pacific Islanders, Asian and Indian populations. If the exercise intervention improves vascular risk factors and reduces recurrent vascular events, it could be applied to a large number of people who suffer a TIA or non-disabling stroke.