It would be unwise to not do this.
A recent review highlights the significant impact even minimal physical activity can have on reducing the risk of stroke compared to a sedentary lifestyle.
Researchers found that individuals who engaged in physical activity levels below recommended guidelines still experienced a lower risk of stroke compared to those who were entirely inactive.
In fact, the study revealed that even modest amounts of physical activity conferred substantial benefits. The highest level of physical activity, considered ideal, was associated with a 29% reduction in stroke risk compared to no exercise at all. Surprisingly, even activity levels falling below the recommended target resulted in an 18% decrease in stroke risk.
Lead researcher Raffaele Ornello, from the University of L’Aquila in Italy, emphasized the universal benefits of physical activity for stroke prevention. Regardless of current activity levels, individuals are encouraged to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.
The study, which analyzed data from 15 previous research studies involving over 752,000 adults, consistently demonstrated the protective effects of physical activity against stroke. Moderate levels of physical activity, below recommended guidelines, still significantly reduced stroke risk by 27% to 29% compared to no activity.
Importantly, these benefits were observed across different demographic groups, irrespective of age or gender, highlighting the broad applicability of physical activity for stroke prevention.
Published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, the study reinforces international guidelines recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. Examples of moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, dancing, gardening, or cycling, while vigorous activities such as running or swimming are also beneficial.
The findings align with the World Health Organization’s recommendations, emphasizing that any level of physical activity is better than none. As such, encouraging individuals to engage in even minimal physical activity can contribute significantly to reducing the risk of stroke and improving overall health outcomes.
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