Walking just 35 minutes daily can reduce stroke risk in elderly

Older adults may lower their risk of suffering a more severe stroke by staying physically active, with even modest amounts of exercise potentially offering significant benefits, according to a study published in the journal Neurology.

Researchers found that older people who engaged in light to moderate physical activity before experiencing a stroke were more likely to suffer a mild stroke than those who were physically inactive.

The findings suggest that activities such as walking, swimming or running for a few hours a week could have a protective effect on the brain. Researchers said that even a daily walk of around 35 minutes, or roughly four hours of walking a week, could contribute to better outcomes.

“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,” said Katharina S. Sunnerhagen of the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

For the study, researchers examined 925 people who had suffered a stroke, with an average age of 73.

Among the 481 participants who were physically inactive before their stroke, 354, or 73 per cent, experienced a mild stroke. In comparison, 330 of the 384 people who engaged in light physical activity, or 85 per cent, had a mild stroke.

The strongest results were observed among participants who reported moderate physical activity. Of the 59 people in this group, 53, or 89 per cent, experienced a mild stroke.

Overall, people who engaged in light to moderate physical activity before suffering a stroke were about twice as likely to have a mild stroke rather than a moderate or severe one compared with those who were inactive.

The researchers said the findings add to growing evidence that regular physical activity may help protect brain health. Staying active can also improve cardiovascular fitness and help manage several factors associated with stroke risk, including high blood pressure, excess weight and poor metabolic health.

However, the researchers cautioned that the study establishes an association rather than proving that exercise directly reduces the severity of a stroke.

“Stroke is a major cause of serious disability, so finding ways to prevent stroke or reduce the disability caused by stroke are important,” Sunnerhagen said.

The findings reinforce the importance of incorporating manageable physical activity into daily routines, particularly for older adults. Even relatively simple activities such as regular walking may be beneficial, although the researchers stressed that further studies are needed to determine whether physical activity directly causes less severe strokes.