Inna Lutsenko Center for Distance Learning and Advanced Training, Kyrgyz State Medical Academy after I.K.Akhunbaev; twitter: @inna_lutsenko
Linxin Li Wolfson Centre for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
Welcome to join us on the World Stroke Day today! Let’s Join the MOVEment!
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability and one in four adults will have a stroke in their lifetime. However 90% of the strokes could be prevented by focusing on a small number of risk factors and being active is one of them.[1]
Research has suggested that physical activity reduces the risk of any stroke by 25% and the benefit is there for all age groups and with all types of exercises.[2,3] So join us today no matter if you are 10 or 100, and do a bit of dance, walking, running or any movement that is fun!
If you had a stroke before and found it hard to participate in conventional exercise programmes, don’t worry. We know that aerobic training can improve your mobility and balance.[4] Exercise can also reduce fatigue and improve your confidence so don’t hesitate to join the movement!
2020 is different also due to COVID-19. Reassuringly, we are seeing a positive trend of people taking on exercises even when they are not allowed to go outdoors. Under normal conditions, our brain secretes pleasure hormones. Unfortunately, the fear of the virus, quarantine and many other stressful activities during the pandemic are reducing the usual daily dose we get. What can we do? Physical exercise also helps! Even a small amount of exercise can help to increase the levels of dopamine and endocannabinoids, which are associated with analgesia, anxiolysis, and a sense of well-being [5]. In a recent ESC position paper the evidence found that moderate exercise performed for 20–30 min 3–4 times per week may strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of viral infection [6]. So don’t wait and start moving!
Are you wondering how you can join the MoveMent specifically for today? Visit the World Stroke Day Campaign website.
References
- O’Donnell M, Chin S, Rangarajan S, et al. Global and regional effects of potentially modifiable risk factors associated with acute stroke in 32 countries (INTERSTROKE): a case-control study. Lancet 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27431356/
- Ozemek C, Laddu D, Lavie C, et al. An Update on the Role of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Structured Exercise and Lifestyle Physical Activity in Preventing Cardiovascular Disease and Health Risk. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2018.11.005/
- Lee C, Folsom A, Blair S. Physical activity and stroke risk: a meta-analysis. Stroke 2003. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14500932/
- Saunders D, Sanderson M, Brazzelli, et al. Physical fitness training for stroke patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24142492/
- Carek K, Laibstain S, Carek S. Exercise for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Int J Psychiatry Med 2011. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51053533_Exercise_for_the_Treatment_of_Depression_and_Anxiety
- Raghav T Bhatia, Sarandeep Marwaha et.al. Exercise in the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) era: A Question and Answer session with the experts Endorsed by the section of Sports Cardiology & Exercise of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC). European Journal of preventive cardiology. https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487320930596
