Research at the University of Gothenburg has demonstrated that routine activities carried out daily, whether at work or home, do not sufficiently guard against stroke. However, engaging in physical exercises during leisure and opting for active transportation methods can significantly lower stroke risk.
Adam Viktorsson, the study’s lead author and a researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, emphasized the growing importance of physical activity outside work hours. He noted, “As many occupational and domestic tasks become more sedentary, incorporating physical activity into our leisure time and for commuting is crucial.”
The study followed 3,614 individuals from the Västra Götaland region over twenty years, during which 269 participants experienced a stroke. Three months post-stroke, 120 of these individuals either passed away or required assistance for daily activities.
Data on physical activity was collected through surveys, and some participants wore pedometers. The findings revealed a correlation between the leisure and transport-related physical activities recorded by the pedometers and reduced stroke risk. In contrast, work-related physical activities showed no protective effect.
Previous research has primarily focused on the health benefits of leisure physical activities. Still, recent studies suggest that physical exertion at work might have detrimental health effects, such as increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
Viktorisson highlighted the critical role of the context in which physical activity occurs, stating, “The timing and nature of physical activity are key in reaping health benefits. In our research, physical activity linked to leisure and transportation was beneficial, while activities during work hours or within the household offered no protection.”
He further explained that physically demanding jobs might be associated with stress, limited recovery opportunities, exposure to pollutants, and generally lower socioeconomic conditions, which could negate the health advantages of being active.
The study drew on data from the INTERGENE cohort at the University of Gothenburg, collected from 2001 to 2004, including clinical assessments and questionnaire responses. The researchers hope their findings will enhance awareness and influence public health policies to promote physical activity more broadly. Viktorisson advocates for a public health strategy that encourages everyday physical activities like walking, cycling, and other exercises to reduce stroke occurrences and improve outcomes for those affected.
More information: Adam Viktorisson et al, Domain-Specific Physical Activity and Stroke in Sweden, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.13453
Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by University of Gothenburg
