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According to the results published in the report, light to moderate physical activity, such as walking or swimming for a few hours a week, was associated with less severe strokes than physical inactivity. Neurology.
"Stroke is a major cause of serious disability. It is therefore important to find ways to prevent strokes or reduce disability caused by a stroke. Katharina S. Sunnerhagen, MD, PhD, of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, said in a press release.
Sunnerhagen and colleagues reviewed data from two Swedish stroke registries to study how physical activity in advance affects the severity of the stroke. A total of 925 people (mean age: 73.1, 45.2% women) with stroke were included in the analysis.
The researchers determined the severity of the stroke based on symptoms, including eye, arm and face movements, level of consciousness and language skills using the scale National Stroke (NIHSS). Most participants (80%) indicated signs of mild stroke or an NIHSS score of 0 to 5.
Mild to moderate physical activity, such as walking or swimming for a few hours a week, was associated with less severe strokes than physical inactivity.
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After the stroke, participants were asked about the number of movements or exercises performed before the stroke. The average amount of physical activity was determined based on participants' responses regarding duration and intensity of exercise. The relatives confirmed the exercise levels if necessary. The researchers defined light physical activity as a walk of at least 4 hours a week and moderate physical activity as a more intense exercise such as swimming, brisk walking or running 2 to 3 hours per week.
Researchers used the Saltin-Grimby 4-level physical activity level scale to determine levels of physical activity. About half (52%) of participants reported being physically inactive before their stroke.
The data showed that individuals who engaged in light to moderate physical activity prior to their stroke were twice as likely to have mild symptoms as moderate or severe symptoms compared to those who were physically inactive.
More participants in light physical activity had mild stroke than moderate or severe stroke than those who were physically inactive (85% versus 73%). In addition, 89% of participants who engaged in moderate physical activity had a mild stroke, indicating that mild and moderate physical activity was also beneficial to the severity of the stroke.
Physically inactive participants had a higher risk of increased severity.
The researchers noted that the difference in the severity of stroke was not largely explained by the difference in physical activity. More physical activity associated with a younger age accounted for 6.8% of the difference in severity.
"Although exercise is good for health in many ways, our research suggests that just doing a little physical activity every week could have a major impact later on by reducing the severity of a stroke," he says. said Sunnerhagen.
"There is growing evidence that physical activity can have a protective effect on the brain, and our research adds to that evidence," she added. "Additional research is needed to better understand how physical activity influences the severity of a stroke. Finally, physical inactivity should be monitored as a possible risk factor for serious stroke. "- by Alaina Tedesco
Disclosure:
The authors do not report any relevant financial information.
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