Program of rehabilitative exercise and education to avert vascular events after non-disabling stroke or transient ischemic attack (PREVENT Trial): a multi-centred, randomised controlled trial

Marilyn Mackay-Lyons
Gordon Gubitz
Nicholas Giacomantonio
Howard Wightman
David Marsters
Kara Thompson
Chris Blanchard
Gail Eskes
Marianne Thornton
Program of rehabilitative exercise and education to avert vascular events after non-disabling stroke or transient ischemic attack (PREVENT Trial): a multi-centred, randomised controlled trial
S T U D Y P R O T O C O L Open Access
Background: Despite lack of outward signs, most individuals after non-disabling stroke (NDS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) have significant cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and are at high risk of a major stroke, hospitalization for other vascular events, or death. Most have multiple modifiable risk factors (e.g., hypertension, physical inactivity, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, tobacco consumption, psychological stress). In addition, accelerated rates of depression, cognitive decline, and poor quality of sleep have been reported following TIA, which correlate with poor functional outcomes and reduced quality of life. Thus, NSD and TIA are important warning signs that should not be overlooked. The challenge is not unlike that facing other 'silent' conditions -to identify a model of care that is effective in changing people's current behaviors in order to avert further morbidity.

Methods/Design: A single blind, randomized controlled trial will be conducted at two sites to compare the effectiveness of a program of rehabilitative exercise and education versus usual care in modifying vascular risk factors in adults after NDS/TIA. 250 adults within 90 days of being diagnosed with NDS/TIA will be randomly allocated to a 12-week program of exercise and education (PREVENT) or to an outpatient clinic assessment and discussion of secondary prevention recommendations with return clinic visits as indicated (USUAL CARE). Primary outcome measures will include blood pressure, waist circumference, 12-hour fasting lipid profile, and 12-hour fasting glucose/hemoglobin A1c. Secondary measures will include exercise capacity, walking endurance, physical activity, cognitive function, depression, goal attainment and health-related quality of life. Outcome assessment will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-and 12-month follow-ups. Direct health care costs incurred over one year by PREVENT versus USUAL CARE participants will also be compared. Ethical approval for the trial has been obtained from the relevant Human Research Ethics Boards.

Discussion: Whether timely delivery of an adapted cardiac rehabilitation model is effective in attaining and maintaining vascular risk reduction targets in adults after NDS/TIA is not yet known. We anticipate that the findings of this trial will make a meaningful contribution to the knowledge base regarding secondary stroke prevention. Trial registration: This trial is registered with the Clinical Trials.gov Registry (NCT00885456).

Background "Little stroke, big trouble", the theme of World Stroke Day 2008, speaks to the importance of heeding nondisabling stroke (NDS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) as critical warning signs of further, more debilitating vascular events or death [1]. (Since the etiology and prognosis of NDS and TIA are essentially the same [2], hereafter they will be referred to as a single entity -NDS/TIA.) Until recently, the prognosis of NDS/TIA was deemed relatively benign because NDS/TIA appears to leave minimal impairment and no overt long-term effects [3]. However, many survivors of NDS/TIA have significant cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and a high probability of secondary stroke or death [4] from 10% in the low-risk group, to 19% in moderaterisk group and 31% in high-risk group [5]. Thus, secondary prevention strategies are needed to avoid disabling stroke, the fourth leading cause of disease burden and the second leading cause of death among adults worldwide [6]. Moreover, recurrent strokes contribute disproportionately to the overall personal and economic burden associated with stroke [7] because of higher rates of institutionalisation and fatality than primary strokes [8].

Individuals presenting with NDS/TIA typically have significant atherosclerotic lesions throughout their vascular system and often manifest co-morbid cardiovascular disease (CVD) [9,10]. Not surprisingly, cardiac disease is the leading cause of death in stroke survivors [11,12]. It follows that CVD and stroke share common risk factors. Among the modifiable factors are hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, physical inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking [13]. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is the most robust independent predictor of secondary vascular events such as myocardial infarction or recurrent stroke [14]. Diabetes is a strong independent predictor of stroke during the first year post-TIA, with rate of stroke recurrence being substantially higher in the diabetic stroke population [15]. Although dyslipidemia is less well established as a risk factor for stroke than for cardiac disease [16], recent guidelines for patients post-TIA include the administration of statin therapy with intensive lipid-lowering effects [17].

Both physical inactivity [18] and abdominal obesity [19,20] are independent risk factors for primary stroke. We documented that mean exercise capacity (peak oxygen consumption, VO 2 peak) at one-month post-stroke was only 60% of normative values, increasing to 71% at six months post-stroke [21]. Cigarette smoking has a causal relationship to atheroscelerosis, which explains why smoking is a major independent risk factor for stroke [22]. Heavy alcohol use (> 5 drinks/day) is a factor in stroke recurrence [23]. Metabolic syndrome, or clustering of vascular risk factors, is defined by the International Diabetes Federation as central obesity plus any two of the following: hypertension, hypertriglyceremia, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and insulin resistance [24]. This syndrome is critical in the development of recurrent ischemic stroke [25] and is also associated with silent brain infarction independent of other risk factors [26]. Control of the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome is inadequate for people post-TIA or stroke [27] In a cohort of stroke survivors, 67% were overweight or obese, 80% had prehypertension or hypertension, 34% had low HDL and 45% had impaired fasting glucose [28]. Among patients post-stroke entering exercise studies, 99% of participants had at least one uncontrolled risk factor and 91% had two or more inadequately treated risk factors [28], figures comparable to what we reported in participants beginning stroke rehabilitation [29]. The problem is compounded by an acute lack of awareness and knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among the NDS/TIA population [30]. Collectively, these findings suggest that there is considerable room for improvement in vascular risk factor management following NDS/TIA. For people with CVD or diabetes, cardiac rehabilitation programs, consisting of exercise, education and lifestyle change counselling, improve all of the modifiable risk factors discussed above. Two large trials reported favourable effects of multi-modal cardiac rehabilitation on hypertension [31,32]. Cochrane reviews concluded that exercise alone [33], or the combination of exercise and dietary advice [34], also improve glycemic control (decrease in hemoglobin A1c) in people with type 2 diabetes. Benefits of group-based exercise sessions people with type 2 diabetes include reductions in SBP, hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose levels, body weight and need for diabetes medication, as well as enhanced diabetes knowledge [35]. A~50% reduction in risk of vascular events over 7.8 year period was reported following an intensive program of exercise, dietary modification and pharmacotherapy for people with type 2 diabetes [36]. Sustained moderate weight loss, achieved through lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise), is effective for the prevention and treatment of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia [37,38]. Dietary advice alone has been shown to improve lipid profiles [34]. A systematic review found that comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation, but not exercise alone, induced reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglycerides, with no effect on HDL-C [33]. Reviews of multi-modal cardiac rehabilitation programs [33] and distribution of self-help education materials [39] have revealed little effect on smoking cessation.

Burgeoning evidence indicates that aerobic exercise not only reduces mortality in cardiac populations [32,40,41], but benefits mood [42], diminishes anxiety and depression [43], improves cognition [44,45] and decreases risk of dementia in vascular disease [46,47]. These additional benefits are relevant because people with TIA/NDS can have subtle but persistent neuropsychological deficits [48] similar to those accompanying hypertension [49]. As well, reducing depressive symptomatology -a condition found in up to 70% people post-TIA [50] -has been linked to decreased risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events [51].

There is good reason to suggest that risk factor management for NDS/TIA should be aligned with that of cardiovascular conditions, given that secondary risk factors, risk of recurrence, and the potential benefits of treatment are similar [2]. Preliminary support for a multi-faceted approach to secondary stroke prevention comes from a modeling study in which the authors concluded, ″At least four-fifths of recurrent vascular events in patients with cerebrovascular disease might be prevented by application of a comprehensive, multi-factorial approach″ [52]. A non-randomized study of a 3-month exercise program for patients within six months of NDS/TIA demonstrated improvements in walking endurance and exercise capacity [53]. Another nonrandomized study of an 8-week educational program for people post-NDS/TIA demonstrated improved knowledge regarding stroke warning signs, medication adherence, blood pressure monitoring and reduction in salt intake [54]. A recent pilot randomized trial of a 10-week cardiac rehabilitation program for patients post-stroke demonstrated greater improvement in cardiac risk scores in the experimental group than the usual care group [55]. However, high-level evidence of risk factor reduction through non-pharmacological approaches is lacking [56]. For the most part, secondary stroke prevention trials have been short-term, focusing on pharmacological interventions (for example [57,58]) and endarterectomy for patient with surgical grade carotid stenosis [59].

Little provision is made in current health services for modification of lifestyle factors such as cardiovascular fitness, weight optimization and healthy eating for longterm secondary prevention in patients with NDS/TIA. This situation is at odds with recommendations supporting a combination of comprehensive lifestyle interventions and pharmacological therapy to prevent recurrent stroke and acute cardiac events in stroke survivors [60,61]. Indeed, Myint and colleagues [62] postulated that behavioral modifications may be as important as anti-hypertensive and cholesterol lowering agents in secondary prevention of stroke.

A major thrust in public health over the next decade will be to focus attention on identification and management of vascular risk factors. Although primary prevention is the ultimate goal, resources will need to be allocated to those who are at high risk and most likely to gain the greatest benefit. One such group is people who have experienced a NDS/TIA. The main objective of the PREVENT trial is to determine whether the timely delivery of a comprehensive program of secondary stroke prevention services and coordinated care can improve long-term vascular risk reduction for patients after NDS or TIA. The primary aim is to compare the effectiveness of a program of rehabilitative exercise and education (PREVENT) versus usual care (USUAL CARE) in reducing vascular risk factors in people who have had a NDS or TIA. Secondary aims are to compare between PREVENT and USUAL CARE groups (i) exercise capacity, walking endurance, daily physical activity, number of cigarettes smoked daily, medication adherence; (ii) fatigue, cognitive function, depression, healthrelated goal attainment and health-related quality of life; (iii) direct health costs incurred over a 1-year period; (iv) reduction in secondary vascular events, within the limitations in sample size and trial duration. We anticipate that, in comparison to USUAL CARE, timely delivery of PREVENT will produce clinically important and sustainable improvements in the outcome variables.

Methods/design

All procedures involved in this trial with human participants will be conducted in compliance with institutional ethical standards and the Helsinki Declaration. Ethical approval to conduct the trial has been granted by the Capital District Research Ethics Board (protocol CDHA-RS/2009-371) and the Annapolis Valley District Research Ethics Board (protocol #2009-005).

Study Design

This is a two parallel group, four-site, single-blinded, randomized trial with group assignment stratified using the Stroke Prognosis Instrument II (SPI-II) [5]. Figure 1 illustrates the sequencing of the study protocol.

Setting

Four community-based cardiac rehabilitation programs, three located in one urban/suburban environment (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) and one in a more rural setting (Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada) have been selected at intervention sites based on recruitment potential, adherence to the national guidelines for hyperacute and acute management of NDS and TIA [60], and availability of existing programs that could be adapted to meet the protocol for this trial.

Participants

Inclusion Criteria

Participants will include males and females, over 17 years of age, who are within 90 days of diagnosis of first probable or definite TIA (symptom resolution in less than 24 hours) or ischemic or hemorrhagic NDS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale less than 6) [63] for which medical attention was sought.

Exclusion Criteria

Potential participants will be excluded if they present with contraindications to exercise testing and training, in accordance with American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines (ACSM) [64] and/or are participating in another study that could potentially confound the outcomes of this trial.

Participant recruitment

Recruitment pamphlets approved by the Research Ethics Board and checklists outlining the inclusion/exclusion criteria will be distributed in emergency rooms, physicians' offices, stroke units, and outpatient stroke clinics. The neurologists or internists directing acute stroke services and emergency room physicians in the trial sites will be trained to identify patients who meet the selection criteria and will notify the PREVENT Trial site coordinator of potential research subjects. The site coordinators will also communicate directly with the recruitment locations twice weekly for potential participants and will provide ongoing education, recruitment flyers, and reminders about the trial. The site coordinators will also review each candidate's health record for inclusion/ exclusion criteria and record basic demographic and medical information.

Eligible patients will be approached by the site coordinator, who will briefly explain the purpose of the study and ask if they have an interest in participating. If a potential participant expresses interest, the study will be explained in detail, all questions will be addressed and the participant will be asked to sign the consent form approved by the Research Ethics Board of that site. The family physicians of the participants will be informed of intent to participate. The Environmental Supports for Physical Activity Questionnaire [65] will also be administered. Those patients who do not wish to participate will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire about their daily physical activity, to assess the representativeness of the final study sample.

Sample Size

Systolic blood pressure, the most robust predictor of secondary vascular events [14], was selected as the outcome variable for sample size calculation. Using estimates obtained from our pilot study, a sample size of 119 in each group will have 80% power to detect a difference in means of 4.9 mmHg, assuming that the common standard deviation is 13.4 using a two group t-test with a 0.05 two-sided significance level. We have allowed for an overall attrition rate of 5% [55], thus increasing the sample size to 125 per group (250 in total). The trial will not be sufficiently powered to determine the effectiveness of the PREVENT intervention in reducing recurrent TIA, stroke or cardiac events. Thus, it will be exploratory in this regard and will help inform the design of a future, more extensive trial.

Randomization Procedures

Participants will be randomized to one of two interventions: USUAL CARE or PREVENT. To ensure comparable groups in terms of neurological status, group assignment will be stratified using the SPI-II, which assesses long-term risk of stroke post-TIA or NDS using a 15-point scale [5]. Two strata will be used: 1. SPI-II Level 1 (0-3 points; low-risk), 2. SPI-II Level 2 (4-7 points; moderate-risk), and Level 3 (8-15 points; highrisk). An individual not associated with the study will use a computerized random number generator to randomly assign subjects to group. Allocation concealment will be ensured by using opaque, a sealed envelope containing group assignment, which will be revealed, in the presence of the participant, after completion of the baseline assessment. The participants (who are necessarily unblinded) will be requested to avoid informing blinded evaluators of their group assignment.

Outcome Measurement

Given the long duration and multi-modal nature of the interventions, a range of outcome measures will be used to ensure evaluation of relevant variables that span the domains of the International Classification of Functioning [66]. The variables and measurement tools that will be employed are summarized in Table 1. These measures were selected based on the primary and secondary aims of the trial, clinical relevance, psychometric qualities, and feasibility (availability, cost and administration time). Evaluations will be conducted over a 2-day assessment period at baseline, post-intervention, six months, and 12 months by trained assessors blinded to knowledge of study hypotheses and group assignment. At each assessment the assessors will be asked to record their 'guess' as to the group assignment of each participant.

Interventions

USUAL CARE Intervention

Following completion of the acute management of TIA and NDS, USUAL CARE participants will be referred to the site's outpatient Neurovascular Clinic, staffed by neurologists/internists and nurses, for a neurological and health assessment, counselling regarding stroke/TIA and diagnostic test results, and assessment, modification and education of secondary prevention factors (i.e., dietary intake, lipid profile, adherence to medication regime, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, elf-referral to weight loss and smoking cessation programs) [78]. Required therapeutic interventions will be initiated or adjusted (e.g., medications, diagnostic/laboratory tests) and referrals will be sent to appropriate team members or clinics (e.g. social worker, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietician, speech language pathologist, diabetes clinic, hypertension clinic, anticoagulation clinic, smoking cessation program). Follow-up care will be provided by return clinic visits, with an average of three visits in total. Those patients who no longer require followup will be referred back to their primary care physician.

PREVENT intervention

After completing the acute management of TIA and NDS, PREVENT participants will participate in a multi- *Includes total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides **Includes second stroke, second TIA, acute coronary syndrome (i.e., unstable angina and myocardial infarction), heart failure, and vascular death modal, case-managed program of exercise and education. Because this intervention is behavior-focused (e.g., encouraging daily physical activity, health eating, smoking cessation, medication use adherence), several strategies known to facilitate and sustain behavioral change have been incorporated into the design [79,80]: (i) Each participant will meet with the PREVENT physicians and program providers to identify personal goals/barriers/possible solutions related to risk factor targets and lifestyle modifications, based on the baseline assessment and the participant's needs and values.

(ii) Each participant will be provided with a userfriendly health passport in which the participant and PREVENT staff will maintain documentation regarding health-related appointments, assessment results, medications, BP, cigarettes smoked, lipid profile, blood glucose, body weight, waist circumference, daily physical activity, dietary intake, as well as goal attainment related to these domains. All information in the passport will be written in 'plain language' (i.e., Grade 8 reading level).

(iii) Use of positive reinforcement (encouragement, positive feedback).

(iv) Use of adult learning strategies (interactive educational sessions, participant involvement in content selection).

(v) After completion of the formal program, telephone follow-up will be implemented (see below). In addition, individual therapeutic interventions will be initiated or adjusted, as described above for usual care. Group exercise component 75-minute group exercise sessions, lead by a physiotherapist or kinesiologist, will be held twice weekly for 12 weeks. The sessions will involve (i) 5-10 minutes of warm-up exercises, (ii) 15 minutes of progressive resistance training of major extremity muscles, (iii) 30 minutes of aerobic training consisting of three 10-minute stations of treadmill walking, stationary cycling and stepping at an initial intensity of 40-70% of heart rate reserve, as determined by stress test results; (iv) 5-10 minutes of cool-down exercise; (v) progressive resistive strengthening of major upper and lower extremity muscle groups. Heart rate will be continuously monitored, and BP and blood sugars will be measured before and after exercise, as indicated. Both strengthening and aerobic training will be prescribed and progressed according to ACSM guidelines [64]. Home exercise component Group exercise sessions will be supplemented by 30 minutes of home cardiovascular exercise, 3-4 days/week at a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 3-5 on the Borg 0-10 scale [81,82].

Education component One 1.5-hour group session will be conducted weekly by a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals. The schedule for the educational sessions and topics of discussion are outlined in Table  2. Family members/caregivers of participants will be encouraged to attend. Powerpoint slides will be used to ensure consistency of information across sites. Participants will also have access to scheduled grocery shopping tours and cooking demonstrations to further support program objectives. Intervention audits All professionals involved in delivering PREVENT will receive standardized training to ensure consistency of program delivery across sites. To appraise the actual level of consistency, audits will be conducted at random intervals by the trial coordinator. Any deviations from the protocol will be rectified by the site PREVENT team. Post-program follow-up After the 12-week program, PREVENT participants will be provided with a written maintenance program based on their long-term goals. Participants will be requested to maintain their health passport and will be phoned monthly by the site coordinator until the 12-month follow-up as a means of monitoring of use of health passport, health status, health care utilization and adherence to the maintenance program.

Data management and analysis

Data collected at each site will be recorded on standardized forms and entered into a secure database using a centralized, web-based data entry system that contains quality control checks (e.g., range checks, notification of missing data). An independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board, consisting a cardiologist, neurologist and a statistician, has been set up to review mid-point results (or at any time that a serious adverse event occurs) and inform the investigators on issues of trial safety. Descriptive statistics will be calculated for dependent and independent variables. Demographic and clinical characteristics of subjects in the experimental and control groups will be compared on admission using 2-sample t-tests (continuous data) and Chi-square analysis (nominal data). Nonparametric methods will be used when assumptions of normality are violated. Similar analyses will be used to compare characteristics of (i) patients who consent to participate versus those who do not; (ii) subjects who complete the study versus those who withdraw, in order to determine the representativeness of the sample. A mixed effects analysis of variance with repeated measures will be used to model the treatment effects for variables that are interval or ratio and conform to the assumptions of normality (i.e., BP, waist girth, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, serum glucose, hemoglobin A1c, peak VO 2 , Six-Minute Walk Test, step counts). Non-parametric tests (Mann Whitney and Kruskall Wallis tests) will be used for ordinal level data (i.e., International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Fatigue Assessment Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, Goal Attainment Scaling) or where a normal data distribution is not found. To control for baseline differences between groups, variables that are significantly different at baseline will serve as covariates in the analyses. Data will be analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Significant omnibus effects will be probed with t-tests, using the Bonferroni correction to control for multiple comparisons. Multiple regression will be conducted where appropriate to examine relationships among variables. Software will include Access and SAS version 9.1. Alpha level will be < 0.05.

Discussion

The main focus of PREVENT Trial is to investigate the role of aerobic exercise, education and lifestyle counselling in reducing vascular risk factors of people after TIA or NDS. This trial will contribute much needed evidence to begin answering important clinical questions regarding the role of non-pharmacological interventions, modelled after cardiac rehabilitation programs, in preventing second stroke in the often under-served patient populations involved in this trial. Although the trial is not sufficiently powered to determine the effectiveness of PREVENT on hard clinical outcomes such as second vascular events or death, we will compare occurrence rates between groups in order to inform future, larger scale trials.

This multi-site RCT will also explore the impact of the PREVENT program on cardiovascular fitness, walking tolerance, fatigue, cognition, mental health, quality of sleep, medication adherence, tobacco use, and healthrelated quality of life, which may be mitigating factors in reducing vascular risk factors, and, ultimately, stroke recurrence. As well, comparison of the direct health costs of the PREVENT and USUAL CARE groups over the course of the study will provide important preliminary information related to cost effectiveness and sustainability of multi-modal, behavioral interventions such as PREVENT.

Current study status

Enrolling Patients

Funding and Acknowledgments

The PREVENT Trial is jointly funded by a grant from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Stroke Network, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of the Suzanne Ferrier, MSc, trial coordinator; Sharon Slipp, B.N, Annapolis Valley Regional Hospital site coordinator; and Wanda Firth, Community Cardiovascular Hearts in Motion program manager. The authors also express their gratitude to all the patients have participated to date in the PREVENT trial.

Figure 1
1Flow chart outlining the study protocol.

Table 1
1Outcome variables, measurement tools and assessment scheduleVariable
Measurement tool
Baseline
Post-
intervention

6-month
follow-
up

12-month follow-
up

Primary measures

Blood pressure
Sphygmomanometer [67]
√
√
√
√

Waist girth
Tape measure [68]
√
√
√
√

Lipid profile*
Biochemical analysis
√
√
√
√

Fasting serum glucose
Biochemical analysis
√
√
√
√

Haemoglobin A1c
Biochemical analysis
√
√
√
√

Secondary measures

Aerobic fitness
Peak VO 2 using maximal treadmill stress test
(ramp protocol)

√
√
√

Lower extremity function Short Physical Performance Test [69]
√
√
√
√

Walking endurance
Six-Minute Walk Test [70]
√
√
√
√

Physical activity
Step Watch™accelerometers
√
√
√

International Physical Activity Questionnaire [71]
√
√
√
√

Fatigue levels
Fatigue Assessment Scale [72]
√
√
√
√

Cognition
Montreal Cognitive Assessment [73]
√
√

Mental health
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [74]
√
√
√
√

Quality of sleep
Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index [75]
√
√
√
√

Tobacco use
Self-report, using a health passport
√
√
√
√

Health care utilization
Self-report, using a health passport
√
√
√
√

Medication adherence
Self-report, using a health passport
√
√
√
√

Health-related quality
of life

Medical Outcomes Study Short-form 36-item
Questionnaire [76]

√
√
√

Health-related goals
Goal Attainment Scaling [77]
√
√
√
√

Secondary vascular
events**

Health record abstraction
√
√
√
√

Table 2
2Schedule and discussion topics for educational sessionsWeek 1
Heart healthy eating: The basics

Week 2
Setting of health-related goals

Week 3
Exercise: The basics

Week 4
Cardiovascular risk factors and BP self-monitoring

Week 5
Nutrition: Building on the basics (including a 3-day food record analysis by the dietician)

Week 6
Exercise: Building on the basics

Week 7
Cardiovascular medications

Week 8
Healthy weight

Week 9
Smoking cessation

Week 10
Stress & coping

Week 11
Fine-tuning healthy eating

Week 12
Wrap-up

Authors' contributions MM-L: led the conceptualization, design, development, funding applications and implementation of this research protocol. MM-L was the primary author for this manuscript. GG: co-led the conceptualization, design, development, and implementation of this research protocol and contributed to the writing of this manuscript. NG, HW, DM, GE: contributed to the design, development, and implementation of this research protocol and the writing of this manuscript. KT: led the development of the data management protocol and statistical analysis plan and contributed to the writing of this manuscript. CB: contributed to the conceptualization, design, and development of this research protocol and the writing of this manuscript. MT: assisted in the design of this protocol. All authors read and approved of the manuscript.Competing interestsThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Transient ischemic attack -proposal for a new definition. G W Albers, L R Caplan, J D Easton, P B Fayad, J P Mohr, J L Saver, D G Sherman, New Engl J Med. 347Albers GW, Caplan LR, Easton JD, Fayad PB, Mohr JP, Saver JL, Sherman DG: Transient ischemic attack -proposal for a new definition. New Engl J Med 2002, 347:1713-1716.

. Mackay-Lyons, BMC Neurology. 10MacKay-Lyons et al. BMC Neurology 2010, 10:122 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2377/10/122

Redefining risks after TIA and minor ischemic stroke. G J Hankey, Lancet. 365Hankey GJ: Redefining risks after TIA and minor ischemic stroke. Lancet 2005, 365:2065-2066.

Recent advances in management of transient ischemic attacks and minor ischemic strokes. P M Rothwell, A Buchan, S C Johnston, Lancet Neurol. 5Rothwell PM, Buchan A, Johnston SC: Recent advances in management of transient ischemic attacks and minor ischemic strokes. Lancet Neurol 2006, 5:323-331.

Short-term prognosis after emergency department diagnosis of TIA. S C Johnston, D R Gress, W S Browner, S Sidney, JAMA. 284Johnston SC, Gress DR, Browner WS, Sidney S: Short-term prognosis after emergency department diagnosis of TIA. JAMA 2000, 284:2901-2906.

The Stroke Prognosis Instrument II (SPI-II): a clinical prediction instrument for patients with transient ischemic attack and nondisabling stroke. W N Kernan, C M Viscoli, L M Brass, R W Makuch, P M Sarrel, R S Roberts, M Gent, P Rothwell, R L Sacco, R-C Lui, B Boden-Albaba, R I Horwitz, Stroke. 31Kernan WN, Viscoli CM, Brass LM, Makuch RW, Sarrel PM, Roberts RS, Gent M, Rothwell P, Sacco RL, Lui R-C, Boden-Albaba B, Horwitz RI: The Stroke Prognosis Instrument II (SPI-II): a clinical prediction instrument for patients with transient ischemic attack and nondisabling stroke. Stroke 2000, 31:456-462.

Global and regional burden of disease and risk factors, 2001: systematic analysis of population health data. A D Lopez, C D Mathers, M Ezzati, D T Jamison, Cjl Murray, Lancet. 367Lopez AD, Mathers CD, Ezzati M, Jamison DT, Murray CJL: Global and regional burden of disease and risk factors, 2001: systematic analysis of population health data. Lancet 2006, 367:1747-1757.

Cost of a recurrent vs. cost of first-ever stroke over an 18-month period. J-F Spieler, G De Pouvourville, P Amarenco, Eur J Neurol. 10Spieler J-F, de Pouvourville G, Amarenco P: Cost of a recurrent vs. cost of first-ever stroke over an 18-month period. Eur J Neurol 2003, 10:621-624.

Long-term disability after first-ever stroke and related prognostic factors in the Perth Community Stroke Study. G J Hankey, J K Amrozik, R J Broadhurst, S Forbes, C S Anderson, 33Hankey GJ, Amrozik JK, Broadhurst RJ, Forbes S, Anderson CS: Long-term disability after first-ever stroke and related prognostic factors in the Perth Community Stroke Study, 1989-1990. Stroke 2002, 33:1034-1040.

Preventing ischemic stroke in patients with prior stroke and transient ischemic attack: a statement for healthcare professionals from the stroke council of the American Heart Association. P A Wolf, G P Clagett, J D Easton, L B Goldstein, P B Gorelick, M Kelly-Hayes, R L Sacco, J P Whisnant, Stroke. 30Wolf PA, Clagett GP, Easton JD, Goldstein LB, Gorelick PB, Kelly-Hayes M, Sacco RL, Whisnant JP: Preventing ischemic stroke in patients with prior stroke and transient ischemic attack: a statement for healthcare professionals from the stroke council of the American Heart Association. Stroke 1999, 30:1991-1994.

Heart disease in patients with stroke. Part 1: Classification and prevalence. E Roth, Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 74Roth E: Heart disease in patients with stroke. Part 1: Classification and prevalence. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1993, 74:752-760.

Coronary risk evaluation in patients with transient ischemic attack and ischemic stroke: a scientific statement for healthcare professionals from the Stroke Council and the Council on. R J Adams, M I Chimowitz, J S Alpert, I A Awad, M D Cerqueria, P Fayad, Clinical Cardiology of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Circulation. 108Adams RJ, Chimowitz MI, Alpert JS, Awad IA, Cerqueria MD, Fayad P: Coronary risk evaluation in patients with transient ischemic attack and ischemic stroke: a scientific statement for healthcare professionals from the Stroke Council and the Council on Clinical Cardiology of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Circulation 2003, 108:1278-1290.

An American Heart Association Scientific Statement from the Council on Clinical Cardiology, Subcommittee on Exercise, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Prevention; the Council on Cardiovascular Nursing. N F Gordon, M Gulanick, F Costa, G F Fletcher, B A Franklin, E J Roth, T Shephard, Physical activity and exercise recommendations for stroke survivorsGordon NF, Gulanick M, Costa F, Fletcher GF, Franklin BA, Roth EJ, Shephard T: Physical activity and exercise recommendations for stroke survivors. An American Heart Association Scientific Statement from the Council on Clinical Cardiology, Subcommittee on Exercise, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Prevention; the Council on Cardiovascular Nursing;

the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism; and the Stroke Council. Circulation. 109the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism; and the Stroke Council. Circulation 2004, 109:2031-2041.

Risk factors for stroke. C L Allen, U Bayraktutan, Int J Stroke. 3Allen CL, Bayraktutan U: Risk factors for stroke. Int J Stroke 2008, 3:105-116.

A simple score (ABCD) to identify individuals at high early risk of stroke after transient ischemic attack. P M Rothwell, M F Giles, E Flossmann, C E Lovelock, Jne Redgrave, C P Warlow, Z Mehta, lancet. 366Rothwell PM, Giles MF, Flossmann E, Lovelock CE, Redgrave JNE, Warlow CP, Mehta Z: A simple score (ABCD) to identify individuals at high early risk of stroke after transient ischemic attack. lancet 2005, 366:29-36.

The high risk of stroke immediately after transient ischemic attack. A population-based study. M D Hill, N Yiannakoulias, T Jeerakathi, J V Tu, L W Svenson, D P Schopflocher, Neurology. 62Hill MD, Yiannakoulias N, Jeerakathi T, Tu JV, Svenson LW, Schopflocher DP: The high risk of stroke immediately after transient ischemic attack. A population-based study. Neurology 2004, 62:2015-2020.

Stroke prevention therapy beyond antithrombotics: Unifying mechanisms in ischemic stroke pathogenesis and implications for therapy. P B Gorelick, 33Gorelick PB: Stroke prevention therapy beyond antithrombotics: Unifying mechanisms in ischemic stroke pathogenesis and implications for therapy. Stroke 2002, 33:862-875.

American Stroke Association: Update on the AHA/ASA recommendations for the prevention of stroke in patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack. R J Adams, G Albers, M J Alberts, O Benavente, K Furie, L B Goldstein, P Gorelick, J Halperin, R Harbaugh, S C Johnston, I Katzan, M Kelly-Hayes, Kenton Ej Marks, M Sacco, R L Schwamm, L H , Stroke. 39American Heart AssociationAdams RJ, Albers G, Alberts MJ, Benavente O, Furie K, Goldstein LB, Gorelick P, Halperin J, Harbaugh R, Johnston SC, Katzan I, Kelly-Hayes M, Kenton EJ, Marks M, Sacco RL, Schwamm LH, American Heart Association, American Stroke Association: Update on the AHA/ASA recommendations for the prevention of stroke in patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack. Stroke 2008, 39:1647-1652.

Physical activity and stroke risk: a meta analyses. C D Lee, A R Folsom, S N Blair, Stroke. 34Lee CD, Folsom AR, Blair SN: Physical activity and stroke risk: a meta analyses. Stroke 2003, 34:2475-2481.

Prospective study of body size and risk for stroke amongst women below age 60. M Lu, W Ye, H O Adami, E Weiderpass, J Intern Med. 260Lu M, Ye W, Adami HO, Weiderpass E: Prospective study of body size and risk for stroke amongst women below age 60. J Intern Med 2006, 260:442-450.

Body size and fat distribution as predictors of stroke among US men. S P Walker, E B Rimm, A Ascherio, I Kawachi, M J Stampfer, W C Willett, Am J Epidemiol. 144Walker SP, Rimm EB, Ascherio A, Kawachi I, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC: Body size and fat distribution as predictors of stroke among US men. Am J Epidemiol 1996, 144:1143-1150.

Longitudinal changes in exercise capacity after stroke. M Mackay-Lyons, L Makrides, Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 85MacKay-Lyons M, Makrides L: Longitudinal changes in exercise capacity after stroke. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004, 85:1608-1612.

Control of hypertension 5 years after stroke in the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study. S L Paul, A G Thrift, Hypertension. 48Paul SL, Thrift AG: Control of hypertension 5 years after stroke in the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study. Hypertension 2006, 48:260-265.

Serum cholesterol levels and six-year mortality from stroke in 350,977 men screened for the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial. H Iso, Drj Jacobs, D Wentworth, J D Neaton, J D Cohen, N Engl J Med. 320Iso H, Jacobs DRJ, Wentworth D, Neaton JD, Cohen JD: Serum cholesterol levels and six-year mortality from stroke in 350,977 men screened for the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial. N Engl J Med 1989, 320:904-910.

Metabolic syndrome -a new worldwide definition. A Consensus Statement from the International Diabetes Federation. Kgmm Alberti, P Zimmet, J Shaw, Diabet Med. 23Alberti KGMM, Zimmet P, Shaw J: Metabolic syndrome -a new world- wide definition. A Consensus Statement from the International Diabetes Federation. Diabet Med 2006, 23:469-480.

Metabolic syndrome and three of its components as risk factors for recurrent ischemic stroke presenting as large-vessel infarction. C W Liou, T Y Tan, T K Lin, P W Wang, H K Yip, Eur J Neurol. 15Liou CW, Tan TY, Lin TK, Wang PW, Yip HK: Metabolic syndrome and three of its components as risk factors for recurrent ischemic stroke presenting as large-vessel infarction. Eur J Neurol 2008, 15:802-809.

Metabolic syndrome is associated with silent ischemic brain lesions. H Bokura, S Yamaguchi, K Iijima, A Nagai, H Oguro, Stroke. 39Bokura H, Yamaguchi S, Iijima K, Nagai A, Oguro H: Metabolic syndrome is associated with silent ischemic brain lesions. Stroke 2008, 39:1607-1609.

How well are hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking managed after a stroke or transient ischemic attack? Stroke. M S Mouradian, S R Majumdar, A Senthilselvan, K Khan, A Shuaib, 33Mouradian MS, Majumdar SR, Senthilselvan A, Khan K, Shuaib A: How well are hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking managed after a stroke or transient ischemic attack? Stroke 2002, 33:1656-1659.

Cardiovascular risk in survivors of stroke. S P Kopunek, K M Michael, M Shaughnessy, B Resnick, E-S Nahm, J Whitall, A Goldberg, R F Macko, Am J Prevent Med. 32Kopunek SP, Michael KM, Shaughnessy M, Resnick B, Nahm E-S, Whitall J, Goldberg A, Macko RF: Cardiovascular risk in survivors of stroke. Am J Prevent Med 2007, 32:408-412.

Metabolic syndrome and its components in individuals undergoing rehabilitation after stroke. M Mackay-Lyons, C Macdonald, J Howlett, J Neurol Phys Ther. 33MacKay-Lyons M, MacDonald C, Howlett J: Metabolic syndrome and its components in individuals undergoing rehabilitation after stroke. J Neurol Phys Ther 2009, 33:189-194.

Risk awareness and knowledge of patients with stroke: results of a questionnaire survey 3 months after stroke. A Croquelois, J Bogousslavsky, J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiat. 77Croquelois A, Bogousslavsky J: Risk awareness and knowledge of patients with stroke: results of a questionnaire survey 3 months after stroke. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiat 2006, 77:726-728.

Reduction in sudden deaths by a multifactorial intervention programme after acute myocardial infarction. V Kallio, H Hamalainen, J Hakkila, O J Luurila, Lancet. Kallio V, Hamalainen H, Hakkila J, Luurila OJ: Reduction in sudden deaths by a multifactorial intervention programme after acute myocardial infarction. Lancet 1979, November 24th:1091-1094.

Effects of intensive multiple risk factor reduction on coronary atherosclerosis and clinical cardiac events in men and women with coronary artery disease. The Stanford Coronary Risk Intervention Project (SCRIP). W L Haskell, E L Alderman, J M Fair, D J Maron, S F Mackey, H R Superko, P T Williams, I M Johnstone, M A Champagne, R M Krauss, Circulation. 89Haskell WL, Alderman EL, Fair JM, Maron DJ, Mackey SF, Superko HR, Williams PT, Johnstone IM, Champagne MA, Krauss RM: Effects of intensive multiple risk factor reduction on coronary atherosclerosis and clinical cardiac events in men and women with coronary artery disease. The Stanford Coronary Risk Intervention Project (SCRIP). Circulation 1994, 89:975-990.

Exercisebased rehabilitation for coronary heart disease. J A Jolliffe, K Rees, R S Taylor, D Thompson, N Oldridge, S Ebrahim, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 11800Jolliffe JA, Rees K, Taylor RS, Thompson D, Oldridge N, Ebrahim S: Exercise- based rehabilitation for coronary heart disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001, 1: Art. No.: CD001800.

Dietary advice for reducing cardiovascular risk. E J Brunner, K Rees, K Ward, M Burke, M Thorogood, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 42128Brunner EJ, Rees K, Ward K, Burke M, Thorogood M: Dietary advice for reducing cardiovascular risk. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, 4: Art. No.: CD002128.

Group based training for self-management strategies in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. T Deakin, C E Mcshane, J E Cade, R D Williams, Deakin T, McShane CE, Cade JE, Williams RD: Group based training for self-management strategies in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 23417Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, 2: Art. No.: CD003417.

Multifactorial intervention and cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. P Gaede, P Vedel, N Larsen, G Jensen, H-H Parving, O Pedersen, N Engl J Med. 348Gaede P, Vedel P, Larsen N, Jensen G, Parving H-H, Pedersen O: Multifactorial intervention and cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med 2003, 348:383-393.

Diagnosis and treatment of obesity in adults: an applied evidence-based review. A J Orzano, J G Scott, J Am Board Fam Pract. 17Orzano AJ, Scott JG: Diagnosis and treatment of obesity in adults: an applied evidence-based review. J Am Board Fam Pract 2004, 17:359-369.

What is the relationship between risk factor reduction and degree of weight loss?. L F Van Gaal, I L Mertens, D Ballaux, Europ Heart J. 7Suppl LVan Gaal LF, Mertens IL, Ballaux D: What is the relationship between risk factor reduction and degree of weight loss? Europ Heart J 2000, 7(Suppl L):L21-26.

Self-help interventions for smoking cessation. T Lancaster, L F Stead, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 31118Lancaster T, Stead LF: Self-help interventions for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, 3: Art. No.: CD001118.

Exercise-based rehabilitation for patients with coronary heart disease: systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials. R S Taylor, A Brown, S Ebrahim, J Jolliffe, H Noorani, K Rees, B Skidmore, J A Stone, D R Thompson, N Oldridge, Am J Med. 116Taylor RS, Brown A, Ebrahim S, Jolliffe J, Noorani H, Rees K, Skidmore B, Stone JA, Thompson DR, Oldridge N: Exercise-based rehabilitation for patients with coronary heart disease: systematic review and meta- analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Med 2004, 116:682-692.

Rehabilitation AAoCaP: Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease: An American Heart Association Scientific Statement from the Council on Clinical Cardiology (Subcommittee on Exercise, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Prevention) and the Council on Nutrition. A S Leon, B A Franklin, F Costa, G J Balady, K A Berra, K J Stewart, P D Thompson, M A Williams, M S Lauer, Collaboration with the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. American Heart Association111CirculationLeon AS, Franklin BA, Costa F, Balady GJ, Berra KA, Stewart KJ, Thompson PD, Williams MA, Lauer MS, for the American Heart Association, Council on Clinical Cardiology (Subcommittee on Exercise CR and Prevention), Council on Nutrition PA and Metabolism (Subcommittee on Physical Activity), Rehabilitation AAoCaP: Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease: An American Heart Association Scientific Statement from the Council on Clinical Cardiology (Subcommittee on Exercise, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Prevention) and the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism (Subcommittee on Physical Activity), in Collaboration with the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Circulation 2005, 111:369-376.

Effects of exercise training on older patients with major depression. J A Blumenthal, M A Babyak, K A Moore, W E Craighead, S Herman, Arch Intern Med. 159Blumenthal JA, Babyak MA, Moore KA, Craighead WE, Herman S: Effects of exercise training on older patients with major depression. Arch Intern Med 1999, 159:2349-2356.

Effects of self-help post-myocardial infarction rehabilitation on psychological adjustment and use of health services. B Lewin, I H Robertson, E L Cay, J B Irving, M Campbel, Lancet. 339Lewin B, Robertson IH, Cay EL, Irving JB, Campbel M: Effects of self-help post-myocardial infarction rehabilitation on psychological adjustment and use of health services. Lancet 1992, 339:1036-1040.

Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: a meta-analytic study. S Colcombe, A F Kramer, Psychol Sci. 14Colcombe S, Kramer AF: Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: a meta-analytic study. Psychol Sci 2003, 14:125-130.

Cardiac rehabilitation improves cognitive performance in older adults with cardiovascular disease. J Gunstad, K Macgregor, R Paul, A Poppas, A Jefferson, J Todaro, R Cohen, J Cardiopulm Rehabil. 25Gunstad J, MacGregor K, Paul R, Poppas A, Jefferson A, Todaro J, Cohen R: Cardiac rehabilitation improves cognitive performance in older adults with cardiovascular disease. J Cardiopulm Rehabil 2005, 25:173-175.

Physical activity and enhanced fitness to improve cognitive function in older people without known cognitive impairment. M Angevaren, G Aufdemkampe, Hjj Verhaar, A Aleman, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 25381Angevaren M, Aufdemkampe G, Verhaar HJJ, Aleman A: Physical activity and enhanced fitness to improve cognitive function in older people without known cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, 2: Art. No.: CD005381.

Capitalizing on cortical plasticity: influence of physical activity on cognition and brain function. A F Kramer, K I Erickson, Trends Cogn Sci. 11Kramer AF, Erickson KI: Capitalizing on cortical plasticity: influence of physical activity on cognition and brain function. Trends Cogn Sci 2007, 11:342-348.

Jennekens-Schinkel A: Cognition and quality of life in patients with carotid artery occlusion. A follow-up study. F C Bakker, Cjm Klijn, J Van Der Grond, L J Kappelle, Neurology. 62Bakker FC, Klijn CJM, van der Grond J, Kappelle LJ, Jennekens-Schinkel A: Cognition and quality of life in patients with carotid artery occlusion. A follow-up study. Neurology 2004, 62:2230-2235.

Hypertension and cognitive functioning among the elderly: an overview. O Anson, E Paran, Am J Therapeutics. 12Anson O, Paran E: Hypertension and cognitive functioning among the elderly: an overview. Am J Therapeutics 2005, 12:359-365.

Depressive symptoms, vascular disease and mild cognitive impairment: findings from the Cardiovascular Health Study. D E Barnes, G S Alexopoulos, O L Lopez, J D Williamson, K Yaffe, Arch Gen Psych. 63Barnes DE, Alexopoulos GS, Lopez OL, Williamson JD, Yaffe K: Depressive symptoms, vascular disease and mild cognitive impairment: findings from the Cardiovascular Health Study. Arch Gen Psych 2006, 63:273-279.

Mortality and poststroke depression: a placebo-controlled trial of antidepressants. R E Jorge, R G Robinson, S Arndt, S Starkstein, Am J Psychiatry. 160Jorge RE, Robinson RG, Arndt S, Starkstein S: Mortality and poststroke depression: a placebo-controlled trial of antidepressants. Am J Psychiatry 2003, 160:1823-1829.

Combining multiple approaches for the secondary prevention of vascular events after stroke. A quantitative modeling study. D G Hackam, D Spence, Stroke. 38Hackam DG, Spence D: Combining multiple approaches for the secondary prevention of vascular events after stroke. A quantitative modeling study. Stroke 2007, 38:1881-1885.

Improved exercise capacity in patients after minor ischemic stroke undergoing a supervised exercise training program. D Tanne, R Tsabari, O Chechik, A Toledano, D Orion, Israel Med Assoc J. 10Tanne D, Tsabari R, Chechik O, Toledano A, Orion D: Improved exercise capacity in patients after minor ischemic stroke undergoing a supervised exercise training program. Israel Med Assoc J 2008, 10:113-116.

A quasi-experimental study on a community-based stroke prevention programme for clients with minor stroke. J W Sit, Vyb Yip, S Ko, Apc Gun, Jsh Lee, J Clin Nurs. 16Sit JW, Yip VYB, Ko S, Gun APC, Lee JSH: A quasi-experimental study on a community-based stroke prevention programme for clients with minor stroke. J Clin Nurs 2007, 16:272-281.

A pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the benefit of the cardiac rehabilitation paradigm for the non-acute ischemic stroke population. O Lennon, A Carey, N Gaffney, J Stephenson, Clin Rehabil. 22Lennon O, Carey A, Gaffney N, Stephenson J: A pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the benefit of the cardiac rehabilitation paradigm for the non-acute ischemic stroke population. Clin Rehabil 2008, 22:125-133.

Cardiac rehabilitation after stroke: need and opportunity. A Tang, V Closson, S Marzolini, P Oh, W Mcilroy, D Brooks, J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev. 29Tang A, Closson V, Marzolini S, Oh P, McIlroy W, Brooks D: Cardiac rehabilitation after stroke: need and opportunity. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 2009, 29:97-104.

Aspirin plus dipyridamole versus aspirin alone after cerebral ischaemia of arterial origin (ESPRIT): randomised controlled trial. Esprit Study Group, P H Halkes, J Van Gijn, L J Kappelle, P J Koudstaal, A Algra, Lancet. 367ESPRIT Study Group, Halkes PH, van Gijn J, Kappelle LJ, Koudstaal PJ, Algra A: Aspirin plus dipyridamole versus aspirin alone after cerebral ischaemia of arterial origin (ESPRIT): randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2006, 367:1665-1673.

Dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin in symptomatic carotid stenosis evaluated using doppler embolic signal detection: the Clopidogrel and Aspirin for Reduction of Emboli in Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis (CARESS) trial. H S Markus, D W Droste, M Kaps, Circulation. 111Markus HS, Droste DW, Kaps M: Dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin in symptomatic carotid stenosis evaluated using doppler embolic signal detection: the Clopidogrel and Aspirin for Reduction of Emboli in Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis (CARESS) trial. Circulation 2005, 111:2233-2240.

A systematic review of the risks of carotid endarterectomy in relation to the clinical indication and the timing of surgery. R Bond, K Rerkasem, P M Rothwell, Stroke. 34Bond R, Rerkasem K, Rothwell PM: A systematic review of the risks of carotid endarterectomy in relation to the clinical indication and the timing of surgery. Stroke 2003, 34:2290-2301.

Canadian best practice recommendations for stroke care (updated 2008). P Lindsay, M Bayley, C Hellings, M D Hill, E Woodbury, S Philips, Can Med Assoc J. 179Lindsay P, Bayley M, Hellings C, Hill MD, Woodbury E, Philips S: Canadian best practice recommendations for stroke care (updated 2008). Can Med Assoc J 2008, 179:S1-S25.

Guidelines for prevention of stroke in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: A statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Council on Stroke: Co-Sponsored by the Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention: The American Academy of Neurology affirms the value of this guideline. R L Sacco, R Adams, G Albers, M J Alberts, O Benavente, K Furie, Goldstein Lb, P Gorelick, J Halperin, R Harbaugh, S C Johnston, I Katzan, M Kelly-Hayes, Kenton Ej Marks, M Schwamm, L H Tomsick, T , Circulation. 113Sacco RL, Adams R, Albers G, Alberts MJ, Benavente O, Furie K, Goldstein lB, Gorelick P, Halperin J, Harbaugh R, Johnston SC, Katzan I, Kelly-Hayes M, Kenton EJ, Marks M, Schwamm LH, Tomsick T: Guidelines for prevention of stroke in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: A statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Council on Stroke: Co- Sponsored by the Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention: The American Academy of Neurology affirms the value of this guideline. Circulation 2006, 113:e409-e449.

Smoking predicts long-term mortality in stroke: The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk prospective population study. P Myint, A Welch, S Bingham, R Luben, N Wareham, K-T Khaw, Preventive Med. 42Myint P, Welch A, Bingham S, Luben R, Wareham N, Khaw K-T: Smoking predicts long-term mortality in stroke: The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk prospective population study. Preventive Med 2006, 42:128-131.

Measurements of acute cerebral infarction: a clinical examination scale. T Brott, H P Adams, C P Olinger, Stroke. 20Brott T, Adams HP, Olinger CP: Measurements of acute cerebral infarction: a clinical examination scale. Stroke 1989, 20:864-870.

American College Of Sports Medicine, Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. BaltimoreLippincoott Williams and Wilkins7American College of Sports Medicine: Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Baltimore: Lippincoott Williams and Wilkins;, 7 2005.

. Environmental Supports for Physical Activity Questionnaire. Prevention Research Center. http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/tools/environmental.htmEnvironmental Supports for Physical Activity Questionnaire. Prevention Research Center. [http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/tools/environmental.htm].

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: a new tool for understanding disability and health. T B Üstun, S Chatterji, J Bickenbach, N Kostanjsek, M Schneider, Disabil Rehabil. 25Üstun TB, Chatterji S, Bickenbach J, Kostanjsek N, Schneider M: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: a new tool for understanding disability and health. Disabil Rehabil 2003, 25:565-571.

Recommendations for blood pressure measurement in humans and experimental animals: Part 1: Blood Pressure Measurement in Humans: A statement from the Subcommittee of Professional and Public Education of the. T G Pickering, J E Hall, L J Appel, B E Falkner, J E Graves, M N Hill, D W Jones, T Kurtz, S G Sheps, E J Roccella, American Heart Association Council on High Blood Pressure Research. Circulation. 111Pickering TG, Hall JE, Appel LJ, Falkner BE, Graves JE, Hill MN, Jones DW, Kurtz T, Sheps SG, Roccella EJ: Recommendations for blood pressure measurement in humans and experimental animals: Part 1: Blood Pressure Measurement in Humans: A statement from the Subcommittee of Professional and Public Education of the American Heart Association Council on High Blood Pressure Research. Circulation 2005, 111:697-716.

Waist circumference and cardiometabolic risk: a consensus statement from Shaping America's Health: Association for Weight Management and Obesity Prevention; NAASO, The Obesity Society; the American Society for Nutrition; and the American Diabetes Association. S Klein, D B Allison, S B Heymsfield, D E Kelley, R L Leibel, C Nonas, R Kahn, Am J Clin Nutr. 85Klein S, Allison DB, Heymsfield SB, Kelley DE, Leibel RL, Nonas C, Kahn R: Waist circumference and cardiometabolic risk: a consensus statement from Shaping America's Health: Association for Weight Management and Obesity Prevention; NAASO, The Obesity Society; the American Society for Nutrition; and the American Diabetes Association. Am J Clin Nutr 2007, 85:1197-1202.

A short physical performance battery assessing lower extremity function: association between self-report disability and prediction of mortality and nursing home admission. J M Guralnik, E M Simonsick, L Ferrucci, R J Glynn, L F Berkman, D G Blazer, P A Scherr, R B Wallace, J Gerontol Med Sci. 49Guralnik JM, Simonsick EM, Ferrucci L, Glynn RJ, Berkman LF, Blazer DG, Scherr PA, Wallace RB: A short physical performance battery assessing lower extremity function: association between self-report disability and prediction of mortality and nursing home admission. J Gerontol Med Sci 1994, 49:M85-94.

ATS statement: guidelines for the sixminute walk test. R Crapo, P L Enright, R Zeballos, Am Thoracic Soc166Crapo R, Enright PL, Zeballos R: ATS statement: guidelines for the six- minute walk test. Am Thoracic Soc 2002, 166:111-117.

International Physical Activity Questionnaire: 12-country reliability and validity. C L Craig, A L Marshall, M Sjöström, A E Bauman, M L Booth, B E Ainsworth, M Pratt, U Ekelund, A Yngve, J F Sallis, P Oja, Med Sci Sports Med. 35Craig CL, Marshall AL, Sjöström M, Bauman AE, Booth ML, Ainsworth BE, Pratt M, Ekelund U, Yngve A, Sallis JF, Oja P: International Physical Activity Questionnaire: 12-country reliability and validity. Med Sci Sports Med 2003, 35:1381-1395.

Psychometric qualities of a brief self-rated fatigue measure: the Fatigue Assessment Scale. H J Michielson, De Vries, J , Van Heck, G L , J Psychosom Res. 54Michielson HJ, De Vries J, Van Heck GL: Psychometric qualities of a brief self-rated fatigue measure: the Fatigue Assessment Scale. J Psychosom Res 2003, 54:345-353.

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A brief screening tool for mild cognitive impairment. Z S Nasreddine, N A Phillips, V Bedirian, V Whitehead, J Am Geriat Soc. 53Nasreddine ZS, Phillips NA, Bedirian V, Whitehead V: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A brief screening tool for mild cognitive impairment. J Am Geriat Soc 2005, 53:695-699.

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A S Zigmond, R P Snaith, Acta Psychiatr Scand. 67Zigmond AS, Snaith RP: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1983, 67:361-370.

D J Buysse, C F Reynolds, T H Monk, S R Berman, D J Kupfer, The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI): A new instrument for psychiatric research and practice. 28Buysse DJ, Reynolds CF, Monk TH, Berman SR, Kupfer DJ: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI): A new instrument for psychiatric research and practice. Psychiatry Res 1989, 28:193-213.

The MOS 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36®): 1. conceptual framework and item selection. J E Ware, C D Sherbourne, Med Care. 30Ware JE, Sherbourne CD: The MOS 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36®): 1. conceptual framework and item selection. Med Care 1992, 30:473-483.

Goal attainment scaling (GAS) in rehabilitation: a practical guide. L Turner-Stokes, Clin Rehabil. 23Turner-Stokes L: Goal attainment scaling (GAS) in rehabilitation: a practical guide. Clin Rehabil 2009, 23:362-370.

Canadian Stroke Quality of Care Study V: Secondary Prevention. Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences. P Lindsay, F L Silver, D J Gladstone, Toronto, OntarioOntario Stroke Strategy-Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term CareLindsay P, Silver FL, Gladstone DJ: Canadian Stroke Quality of Care Study V: Secondary Prevention. Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario; Ontario Stroke Strategy-Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care;

. Canadian Stroke Network. Canadian Stroke Network, Ottawa Ontario 2006.

Promoting cardiovascular health from individual goals to social environmental change. E Barnett, T Anderson, J Blosnich, J Halverson, J Novak, Am J Prev Med. 29Barnett E, Anderson T, Blosnich J, Halverson J, Novak J: Promoting cardiovascular health from individual goals to social environmental change. Am J Prev Med 2005, 29:107-112.

Mediating variable framework in physical activity interventions. How are we doing? How might we do better?. T Baranowski, C Anderson, C Carmack, Am J Prev Med. 15Baranowski T, Anderson C, Carmack C: Mediating variable framework in physical activity interventions. How are we doing? How might we do better? Am J Prev Med 1998, 15:266-297.

Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion. G A Borg, Med Sci Sports Exerc. 14Borg GA: Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1982, 14:377-381.

An evaluation of training responses using self-regulation in a residential rehabilitation program. H Ilarraza, J Myers, W Kottman, H Rickli, P Dubach, J Cardiopulm Rehabil. 24Ilarraza H, Myers J, Kottman W, Rickli H, Dubach P: An evaluation of training responses using self-regulation in a residential rehabilitation program. J Cardiopulm Rehabil 2004, 24:27-33.

Pre-publication history The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here. 10.1186/1471-2377-10-122Pre-publication history The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2377/10/122/prepub doi:10.1186/1471-2377-10-122

Program of rehabilitative exercise and education to avert vascular events after non-disabling stroke or transient ischemic attack (PREVENT Trial): a multi-centred, randomised controlled trial. Mackay-Lyons, BMC Neurology. 10122Cite this article asCite this article as: MacKay-Lyons et al.: Program of rehabilitative exercise and education to avert vascular events after non-disabling stroke or transient ischemic attack (PREVENT Trial): a multi-centred, randomised controlled trial. BMC Neurology 2010 10:122.