Even Low Levels of Physical Activity can Protect Against Stroke

Education Series by Randy Hebert, MD, Medical Director

Suffering a stroke is many peoples’ biggest fear.

Most of us know that exercise can protect against stroke. It is recommended that people get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. That is about 20 minutes a day of exercising and breaking a sweat.

As we age, it is harder to do that level of activity. There is good news, however. Recent research demonstrates that ANY activity, even low levels (e.g. a slow walking, stretching) may reduce the risk of stroke by 20%

As we age, we may no longer be able to exercise like we did when younger; nonetheless any exercise can help keep us healthy.

De Santis, Federico, et al. “Risk of stroke with different levels of leisure-time physical activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (2024).