Exercise to Reduce Risk of Stroke
Reported November 24, 2009
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — Jogging, playing tennis or swimming may be the key to preventing stroke in men. A new study suggests men who regularly exercise at a level that is moderate-to-heavy intensity may be less likely to suffer stroke than men who are not active.
The study examined 3,298 people, with the average age being 69, who lived in Northern Manhattan, NY. Men who exercised were 63 percent less likely to suffer stroke than men who participated in no physical activity.
“Taking part in moderate-to-heavy intensity physical activity may be an important factor in preventing stroke,” Joshua Z.Willey, study author, M.D., of Columbia University Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital at Columbia was quoted as saying. “A large percentage of participants were not taking part in any physical activities. This may be true of many elderly people who live in cities. Identifying ways to improve physical activity among these people may be key goal for public health.”
Researchers found exercise did not have the same protective effect against stroke for women as it did for men.
SOURCE: Neurology, November 24, 2009