No exercise as a risk factor for stroke

According to the World Stroke Organization “Exercise plays an important role in reducing several stroke risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, depression and stress. By getting regular exercise you can act on a number of stroke risk factors. Just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your risk of stroke by 25%”1.

A recent study by the World Health Organization reported that ‘nearly one third (31%) of adults worldwide do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity‘2.

What kinds of activity lower stroke risk?

Regular moderate to intense activity has a positive influence on blood pressure, diabetes and body fat which are all risk factors for stroke3.

Moderate aerobic exercise (you cannot sing the words to a song) includes brisk walking, swimming or cycling.  Intense aerobic exercise includes jogging, running, fast and uphill cycling and fast swimming. Strengthening exercises such as weightlifting, yoga and Pilates, or sit-ups, squats and lunges are also important for cardiovascular health.

Some exercises, such as running, circuit training and aerobics, are both aerobic and strengthening.

Barriers to physical activity

It is estimated that one in five adults and four in five young people do not get the recommended levels of physical activity4.

There are many reasons that people do not exercise enough. People on lower incomes, those who are older or whose stroke has left them with movement problems may find it especially difficult to find the time, energy or resources to exercise.

Keep in mind that any physical activity is better than none for lowering your stroke risk. It is okay to start small.

Physical activity and stroke risk: Key points

One study showed adults under 60 who were inactive for more than eight hours a day were four times more likely to have a stroke than those who were inactive for less than four hours a day4.

Another study showed that people who are regularly physically active have a 25 to 30% lower risk of stroke or death than less active people3.

Any level of physical activity helps. If you need guidance to get started or if you have a health condition that limits your movement, speak to your family doctor about local resources that may help.

References

  1. World Stroke Organization. https://www.world-stroke.org/world-stroke-day-campaign/prevent-stroke/stroke-and-exercise
  2. Tessa Strain, Seth Flaxman, Regina Guthold, Elizaveta Semenova, Melanie Cowan, Leanne M Riley, Fiona C Bull, Gretchen A Stevens et al. National, regional, and global trends in insufficient physical activity among adults from 2000 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 507 population-based surveys with 5·7 million participants. Lancet Glob Health. 2024. Aug;12(8):e1232-e1243. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00150-5
  3. Virgina J. Howard, Michelle N. McDonnell. Physical activity in primary stroke Prevention: just do it! Stroke. 2015. Jun;46(6):1735-9. https://doi.org/10.1161/strokeaha.115.006317
  4. Raed A. Joundi, Scott B. Patten, Jeanne V.A. Williams, Eric E. Smith, Association Between Excess Leisure Sedentary Time and Risk of Stroke in Young Individuals. 2019. 52(11). https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.034985

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