It is hypothesized that the addition of formal cardiac rehabilitation to standard care will result in long-term improvements in cardiovascular fitness and functional capacity in individuals who have suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. Furthermore, it is proposed that the addition of cardiac rehabilitation will influence depressive symptoms and cognition.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is defined as an episode of neurological dysfunction caused by focal brain ischemia lasting less than 24 hours. Once an individual has suffered a TIA, preventative measures can be taken to target modifiable risk factors, one of which is physical inactivity. The current proposal focuses on the use of an established model of care (cardiac rehabilitation (CR)) and applies it to those who have suffered a TIA in order to maximize physical activity and minimize risk of future cardiovascular events. This will be a one-group pre/post design study with a 3 month non-intervention period. Participants will undergo measures at baseline and 3 months (non intervention period) then after 6 months of cardiac rehabilitation (cardiovascular fitness, 6 minute walk test, cognition, and depressive symptoms).
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
20
Individualized cardiac rehabilitation for 6 months, including health education sessions, as well as supervised exercise classes which include aerobic and resistance training.
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Rumsey Center
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Functional Walk Test
6 minute walk test: the longest distance a person can walk for a duration of 6 minutes
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months (Six Minute Walk Distance)
Cardiovascular Fitness (VO2peak)
To measure cardiovascular fitness, a stress test on either an upright cycle ergometer (Ergoselect 200P, Germany), or a treadmill (same modality pre- and post-training) was performed depending on patient balance and comfort.
Time frame: Baseline (after the 3 month non-intervention period) and after 6 months of participation.
Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).
Depressive symptoms using the validated Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). This is a score from a 20 item questionnaire with minimum value of 0 and maximum value of 60 with higher numbers indicated greater depressive symptoms (worse).
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months (non-intervention period), after 6 months of cardiac rehabilitation participation
Cognition
Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The MoCA score ranges from 0 to 30 points with a higher score indicating better cognitive function.
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months (non-intervention period), after 6 months of cardiac rehabilitation participation
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