Studies from the University of Gothenburg indicate that the everyday physical activities we engage in, whether at work or home, are not sufficient to shield us from strokes. However, engaging in exercise during our free time and opting for active transportation significantly lower the risk of experiencing a stroke.
According to Adam Viktorisson, the lead researcher from Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, “Physical activities performed during leisure and while commuting are becoming more essential as many occupations and household tasks become increasingly sedentary.”
Two Decades of Research
This study tracked 3,614 individuals in the Västra Götaland region over a span of twenty years, during which 269 participants had a stroke. By three months following the stroke, 120 of these individuals had either passed away or required assistance with daily activities.
Data on physical activity was collected via surveys, and some participants were equipped with pedometers. The results linked leisure and transport-related physical activities to objective measurements obtained from these pedometers, while workplace activity did not show the same correlation.
No Protection from Work-Related Activities
The well-documented health advantages of physical activity are widely recognized, yet prior research has mainly focused on leisure-time exercise. Recent findings have suggested that physical activity during work can have detrimental effects on health, potentially heightening the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
“The timing and manner of our physical activities appear to play a vital role in determining their health benefits. Our research indicates that leisure and transportation-related activities correlate with a reduced stroke risk, whereas those performed during work or at home do not,” Adam Viktorisson emphasizes.
“Jobs requiring physical labor are often associated with stress, limited recuperation opportunities, air pollution, and poorer socioeconomic statuses, which can negate the beneficial effects of physical activity.”
Enhancing Community Health
Utilizing data from the INTERGENE cohort at the University of Gothenburg, the study involved participant surveys and collected information between 2001 and 2004, including both clinical and questionnaire data. The researchers aim to increase awareness of these findings and influence public health policies to foster physical activity in society. “Motivating individuals to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines—such as walking, biking, and exercising—can be a crucial approach to decreasing stroke occurrences and enhancing the recovery outcomes for stroke survivors,” adds Adam Viktorisson.
