Moderate Exercise Lowers Stroke Risk by 20 Percent Among Women: Study

Moderate exercises lower risk of stroke among women by 20 percent and also offset the effects of hormone replacement therapy among post-menopausal women, according to a study presented at the American Stroke Association.

The Beckman Research Institute at the city of Hope in Duarte, California, analyzed the data of 133,479 women from California Teachers study to see how many suffered stroke between 1996 and 2010.  It was found that the stroke risk of  participants involved in moderate physical activities for almost three years before enrolling in the study was 20 percent less compared to those who reported no activity.

Sophia Wang, Ph.D., the study's lead author and professor at Beckman Research Institute said in a news release, "I was surprised that moderate physical activity was most strongly associated with a reduced risk of stroke."

High intensity workouts and strenuous activities like boot camp training, running, intense aerobics, etc didn't reduce stroke rates among women. The effects were immediate on women who did mild exercises like brisk walking.  

The researchers also found that moderate exercises benefited post-menopausal women undergoing hormone replacement therapy.  These women are at 30 percent higher stroke risk than those not on hormone replacement therapy. "The effects of physical activity and hormone therapy appear immediate and the benefits of physical activity are consistent in premenopausal and postmenopausal women," said Wang.

 Strokes and heart diseases are major causes of deaths among women who are diabetic and obese. According to the  American Heart Association, adults with diabetes have two to four times increased risks for strokes and heart attacks. Physical activities improve heart conditions by managing blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood; they also help improve strength, balance, endurance and long-term brain health. The researchers emphasize inculcating the habit of regular exercise and involvement in activities like power walking, bicycling and playing games, all these regimes are affordable and accessible to most of the U.S, population.

The study was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.