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Posted on Oct 22, 2008, 10 a.m.
By Rich Hurd
Recently published research suggests that being physically active helps to reduce the severity of strokes.
Recently published research suggests that being physically active helps to reduce the severity of strokes.
Researchers analyzed data on 265 patients, with an average age of 68, who had experienced an ischemic stroke. Participants were asked how physically active they were prior to their stroke in order to determine if physical activity had any impact on stroke severity and patient outcome.
Results showed that participants who did the most exercise prior to their stroke were 2.5 times more likely to have a milder stroke compared with participants who were the least physically active. Furthermore, active participants were twice as likely to experience a better long-term outcome.
The researchers concluded: “Physical activity prior to stroke was associated with a less severe stroke and better long-term outcome.” They also noted that their findings confirm those of previous studies.
Krarup LH, Truelsen T, Gluud C, Andersen G, Zeng X, Kõrv J, Oskedra A, Boysen G, and The ExStroke Pilot Trial Group.Prestroke physical activity is associated with severity and long-term outcome from first-ever stroke. Neurology 2008;71:1313-1318.
