650
H. Ihle-Hansen et al.
on the cognitive test performance. The intervention
was individualized coaching on physical activity and
exercise, and did not include supervised exercise. The-
refore, the actual performed training is self-reported
regarding both length and intensity. Finally, only
mild-to-moderate strokes were included, pre-stroke
disability and comorbidities were not assessed, and the
generalizability of the results may be affected by the
fact that our sample may have been more motivated
to undertake physical activity and exercise regardless
of the result of the randomization.
In conclusion, this study found no effect of the
intervention on cognitive function post-stroke com-
pared with usual care. However, increased adherence
to physical activity and exercise was associated with
improved cognitive function, indicating that the inter-
vention dose might be of importance to achieve a be-
nefit. Future preventive trials should include education
regarding healthy lifestyle and focus on motivation to
adhere to the physical programme over time. In addi-
tion, participants should be stratified into subgroups
based on supposed reversibility, especially those with
small-vessel disease or pure vascular pathology, in
order to prevent further decline.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The LAST study was funded by Norwegian Research Council,
Liaison Committee between Central Norway Regional Health
Authority and Norwegian University of Science and Technology
(NTNU), Joint Research Committee between St Olav’s Hos-
pital and NTNU, Norwegian Fund for Postgraduate Training
in Physiotherapy, and Stroke Unit Research Fund at St Olav’s
Hospital. The funders of the study had no role in study design,
data collection, data interpretation, or writing of the report.
LAST Collaboration Group: Torgeir Engstad, Jon Magnussen,
Anne Hansen, Rune Schjørlien, Stian Engen, Randi Moxnes
Osmundnes, Anne-Britt Olerud, Camilla Knudsen, Trine Han-
sen, Walburga Schroeter, Gro Stensrud Fjelldal, Kristin Hovde,
Kristine Helen Reneflot, Lisa Wennberg, Ole Petter Norvang,
Ailan Phan, John Bjørn Storvoll, Brede Ørjaset, Marianne Sy-
vertsen, Ingvild Berger, Anne Eitrem Dahl, Christine Lundemo
Sandø, Veronica Kjølstad, Alexander Hansen, Helene Kverne
Vileid, Maren Hjelle Giddal, Anne Wergeland, Anne Mette
Brenden, Julie Bernhardt, Peter Langhorne.
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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