People who walk just 35 minutes a day or participate in light to moderate physical activity, such as swimming two to three hours a week, may have less severe strokes than people who are physically inactive. In a new study 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.
Study author Katharina S Sunnerhagen, said, “Stroke is a major cause of serious disability, so finding ways to prevent stroke or reduce the disability caused by stroke are important. 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.”
Light physical activity was defined as walking at least four hours a week. Moderate physical activity was defined as a more intense exercise such as swimming, brisk walking, or running two to three hours a week. Of study participants, 52% said they were physically inactive before having their stroke.