A study has found that relatively short periods of moderate to vigorous exercise can reduce the risk associated with stroke. The study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that a patient does not have to be a chronic exerciser to reduce stroke risk. It suggests replacing sedentary time with light-intensity activity to reduce the risk.

The study included individuals with a mean age of 63 years. The study population accounted for 54% of females and 32% of the black population. The participants were advised to wear an accelerometer to measure physical activity and sedentary behavior for seven consecutive days.

According to the results obtained, participants who performed moderate to vigorous activity had a 43% lower risk of stroke. Also, moderate to vigorous activity performed for approximately 25 minutes per day (3 hours/week), showed a significant reduction in the risk. Whereas 4-5 hours of light activity each day had a 26% risk reduction for first stroke compared to people who perform less than 3 hours of such light activities. 

Steven Hooker, Ph.D., Santiago State University stated that breaking up periods of sedentary behavior into shorter bouts of activity is beneficial. He reported that the participants in the study who had high sedentary time (> 13 hours/day) showed a 44% increase in risk in comparison to people who had sedentary time <11 hours/day. Hence, he suggested that if you’re sitting at a computer all day, try having a standing workstation or take regular breaks to walk around.

(Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/975026 )