According to research from the University of Gothenburg, regular physical activity and exercise can reduce bleeding in people with intracerebral hemorrhage. Researchers emphasize the relevance of physical activity in brain protection.
The study, which was published in the journal Stroke and Vascular Neurology, looked at data from 686 individuals treated for intracerebral hemorrhage at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg from 2014 to 2019.
The findings are the result of a retrospective analysis. Although causal relationships cannot be established, the facts are clear: Men who reported being physically active on a regular basis had less bleeding than those who reported being inactive.
Physically active was defined as at least four hours weekly of at least a moderate amount of physical activity, such as walking, cycling, swimming, gardening or dancing.
The study’s lead author is Adam Viktorisson, a PhD student in clinical neuroscience at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and doctor in general practice at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.
“We found that individuals who engage in regular physical activity have, on average, 50 percent less bleeding when they arrive at the hospital. A similar connection has been seen previously in animal studies, but no prior studies have demonstrated this in humans.” not done. “
Everyone who comes to the hospital with a suspected intracerebral hemorrhage undergoes a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the brain. Depending on the severity of the bleeding, neurosurgery may be required. However, in most cases, non-surgical methods and medications are used to manage symptoms and promote patient recovery.
Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most dangerous type of stroke and can lead to life-threatening conditions. The risk of serious consequences from bleeding increases with the amount of bleeding.
“In cases of major intracerebral hemorrhage, there is a risk of increased pressure within the skull that could potentially lead to fatal consequences,” says Thomas Skoglund, neurosurgeon at the University Hospital, associate professor of neurosurgery at the University of Gothenburg and a. co-author of the study.
The findings were significant regardless of location within the cerebrum. Physically active individuals demonstrated less bleeding in both deep areas of the brain, which are often associated with high blood pressure, and superficial areas, which are associated with age-related conditions such as dementia.
The study creates scope for further research on intracerebral hemorrhage and physical activity. Katharina Stibrant Sunnerhagen, professor of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Gothenburg and senior consultant physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, oversaw the study.
“We hope that our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of intracerebral hemorrhage and aid in the development of more effective preventive measures,” she concluded.