A program combining exercise and education for patients with minor strokes

Stroke School - Cross-sectorial Physical Exercise for Patients With Minor Stroke or Non-disabling Stroke

Not applicable Interventional Herlev Hospital · NCT04945174

This study is testing a 12-week program that combines exercise and education to help people who have had a minor stroke or TIA improve their heart health and reduce the chance of having another stroke.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHerlev Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Copenhagen, Herlev and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04945174 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of a 12-week program that includes supervised aerobic exercise and patient education for individuals who have experienced a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The program consists of 6 weeks of hospital-based exercise followed by 6 weeks of community-based exercise, along with individual follow-up sessions to encourage ongoing physical activity. The goal is to enhance patients' understanding of stroke risk factors and improve their overall cardiovascular health. By addressing physical inactivity and educating patients, the study aims to reduce the risk of recurrent strokes and improve quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced a minor stroke or TIA and are not in need of rehabilitation but require physical activity to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with previous large-artery strokes, unstable cardiac conditions, or significant comorbidities that prevent exercise will not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce the risk of recurrent strokes and improve the quality of life for patients recovering from minor strokes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that physical exercise can effectively reduce cardiovascular risk factors in stroke patients, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a minor stroke or TIA without the need of rehabilitation after hospital discharge, but need physical activity in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases
* Patients spending ≤ 5 hour of leisure time on high-intensity physical activity on weekly basis within the last 3 months
* Able to speak and read Danish and to provide informed consent
* Individuals ≥ 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous large-artery stroke or hemorrhagic stroke
* Unstable cardiac condition, e.g. pacemaker
* Uncontrolled hypertension (patients not responding adequately to antihypertensive medication when applying treatment according to guidelines)
* Symptoms or comorbidities not allowing exercise on a stationary bicycle (e.g. claudication)
* Dyspnoea caused by heart or pulmonary disease (e.g. COPD)
* Aphasia, or dementia that interferer with understanding the protocol and/or physical examinations.
* Patients diagnosed with dementia at hospital admission (a score ≤23/30 on the Mini-Mental State Examination are not invited into the study)

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen, Herlev and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Minor StrokeNon-disabling StrokeTransient Ischemic AttackMinor strokeStroke preventionPhysical exercisePatient educationCardiorespiratory fitness
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.