https://dgnews.docguide.com/people-who-walk-just-35-minutes-day-may-have-less-severe-strokes?
People
who participate in light to moderate physical activity, such as walking
at least 4 hours per week or swimming 2 to 3 hours per week, may have
less severe strokes than people who are physically inactive, according
to a study published in Neurology.
“Stroke is a major cause of serious disability, so finding ways to prevent stroke or reduce the disability caused by stroke are important,” said Katharina S. Sunnerhagen, MD, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. “While exercise benefits health in many ways, our research suggests that even simply getting in a small amount of physical activity each week may have a big impact later by possibly reducing the severity of a stroke.”
For the study, researchers looked at 2 Swedish stroke registries and identified 925 people with an average age of 73 years who had a stroke. The registries included data on stroke severity based on symptoms such as eye, arm and facial movements, level of consciousness and language skills. Of study participants, 80% had a mild stroke.
To determine physical activity, participants were asked after the stroke how much they moved or exercised during leisure time before the stroke. Questions about duration and intensity of exercise were used to determine the average amount of physical activity. Relatives were asked to confirm exercise levels when needed.
Light physical activity was defined as walking at least 4 hours a week. Moderate physical activity was defined as more intense exercise such as swimming, brisk walking, or running 2 to 3 hours a week. Of the study participants, 52% said they were physically inactive before having their stroke.
It is important to note that participants reporting on their own physical activity after having a stroke is a limitation of the study. It is possible that memory may be affected by a stroke, and more so in people with more severe stroke.
Results showed that people who engaged in light to moderate physical activity before their stroke were twice as likely to have a mild stroke rather than a moderate or severe stroke when compared with people who were physically inactive. Of 481 people who were physically inactive, 354 had mild stroke (73%). Of 384 who engaged in light physical activity, 330 had mild stroke (85%). Of 59 people who engaged in moderate physical activity, 53 had mild stroke (89%). Light and moderate physical activity were equally beneficial.
“There is a growing body of evidence that physical activity may have a protective effect on the brain and our research adds to that evidence,” said Dr. Sunnerhagen. “Further research is needed to better understand just how physical activity influences the severity of a stroke. Finally, physical inactivity should be monitored as a possible risk factor for severe stroke.”
She noted that the difference in physical activity did not account for a large amount of the difference in stroke severity. When combined with younger age, greater physical activity accounted for only 6.8% of the difference between the 2 groups.
Dr. Sunnerhagen also stated that the study does not prove that physical activity reduces stroke severity; it only shows an association.
Reference: http://n.neurology.org/lookup/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000006354
SOURCE: American Academy of Neurology
“Stroke is a major cause of serious disability, so finding ways to prevent stroke or reduce the disability caused by stroke are important,” said Katharina S. Sunnerhagen, MD, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. “While exercise benefits health in many ways, our research suggests that even simply getting in a small amount of physical activity each week may have a big impact later by possibly reducing the severity of a stroke.”
For the study, researchers looked at 2 Swedish stroke registries and identified 925 people with an average age of 73 years who had a stroke. The registries included data on stroke severity based on symptoms such as eye, arm and facial movements, level of consciousness and language skills. Of study participants, 80% had a mild stroke.
To determine physical activity, participants were asked after the stroke how much they moved or exercised during leisure time before the stroke. Questions about duration and intensity of exercise were used to determine the average amount of physical activity. Relatives were asked to confirm exercise levels when needed.
Light physical activity was defined as walking at least 4 hours a week. Moderate physical activity was defined as more intense exercise such as swimming, brisk walking, or running 2 to 3 hours a week. Of the study participants, 52% said they were physically inactive before having their stroke.
It is important to note that participants reporting on their own physical activity after having a stroke is a limitation of the study. It is possible that memory may be affected by a stroke, and more so in people with more severe stroke.
Results showed that people who engaged in light to moderate physical activity before their stroke were twice as likely to have a mild stroke rather than a moderate or severe stroke when compared with people who were physically inactive. Of 481 people who were physically inactive, 354 had mild stroke (73%). Of 384 who engaged in light physical activity, 330 had mild stroke (85%). Of 59 people who engaged in moderate physical activity, 53 had mild stroke (89%). Light and moderate physical activity were equally beneficial.
“There is a growing body of evidence that physical activity may have a protective effect on the brain and our research adds to that evidence,” said Dr. Sunnerhagen. “Further research is needed to better understand just how physical activity influences the severity of a stroke. Finally, physical inactivity should be monitored as a possible risk factor for severe stroke.”
She noted that the difference in physical activity did not account for a large amount of the difference in stroke severity. When combined with younger age, greater physical activity accounted for only 6.8% of the difference between the 2 groups.
Dr. Sunnerhagen also stated that the study does not prove that physical activity reduces stroke severity; it only shows an association.
Reference: http://n.neurology.org/lookup/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000006354
SOURCE: American Academy of Neurology
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