Transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients are often at high risk for a recurrent stroke or cardiovascular event due to an elevated cardiovascular disease risk (CVD) profile.1 Physical inactivity is one such risk factor that contributes to the increased risk of a recurrent vascular event. Preliminary evidence suggests that TIA patients in the non-acute phase can improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce vascular risk following exercise training.1,2 The purpose of the present study was to examine the efficacy of a short-term exercise programme on physical fitness in TIA patients. Sixty newly diagnosed TIA patients were randomised into one of two conditions: i) Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Programme (HEPAP; n = 30) or ii) Control group (n = 30). All participants underwent baseline assessment (BL) comprising standard measures of CVD risk and a graded-exercise test (GXT) using a modified Bruce treadmill protocol. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (systolic: SBP) and the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; Borg 6-20 scale3) were recorded at the end of each GXT stage. The HEPAP group then underwent an 8-week exercise programme, whereas, the Control group remained as ‘usual care’, before all participants completed a post-intervention assessment (PI) comprising the aforementioned measures, which was repeated 3-months subsequently (3PI). Data presented is based upon the first two GXT stages from BL, PI and 3PI. ANOVA revealed a greater change in HR between BL and PI for HEPAP (105±19 cf. 91±16 b●min-1, respectively) than Control (107±19 cf. 102±16 b●min-1, respectively; P<0.05). A greater decrease in SBP was also observed between BL and PI for HEPAP (167±18 cf. 150±16 mmHg, respectively) than Control (159±19 cf. 156±17 mmHg, respectively; P<0.05). An RPE interaction signified that the rate of change in RPE between stages 1 and 2 of the GXT was significantly lower for HEPAP (8.5±1.8 & 10.5±1.6, respectively) than for Control (9.0±1.7 & 11.6±1.8, respectively; P<0.05). Despite similarities in BL exercise duration for HEPAP and Control (7.0±2.9 cf. 6.6±2.7 min, respectively), PI exercise duration was significantly increased for HEPAP (10.5±3.0 cf. 7.5±3.1 min, respectively; P<0.05). ANOVA revealed no changes in HR, SBP, RPE or exercise duration between PI and 3PI (P>0.05). TIA patients exercised longer, for a lower physiological and psychological cost following a HEPAP than those who did not perform structured physical activity. Of particular importance, systolic blood pressure (a key cerebrovascular risk factor) decreased to a greater extent for HEPAP than for Control. As HEPAP participants maintained their physical fitness level 3-months following the completion of the exercise intervention, physical activity programmes should be encouraged as a rehabilitative strategy for newly-diagnosed TIA patients.