Physical Activity and Ischemic Stroke Prevention
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2025.78.57704Keywords
Stroke, Ischemic stroke, risk factors, prevention of stroke, sportAbstract
Introduction:
Ischemic stroke is one of the most common cerebrovascular diseases, a leading cause of disability, and the primary cause of death globally. Numerous risk factors for stroke can be eliminated or mitigated through proper health-promoting measures, with regular physical activity being one of the most crucial. Exercise directly and indirectly reduces stroke risk by enhancing cardiovascular health and mitigating other risk factors.
This analysis is based on a review of studies and information found in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases regarding the impact of sports on the risk factors for ischemic stroke.
Conclusions:The literature review indicates that sport has a direct effect on reducing the risk of ischemic stroke, but also an indirect effect in minimizing the risk factors for ischemic stroke. The existing research results have recorded a significantly beneficial impact of sport, such as the reduction of atherosclerotic changes in vessels, lowering blood pressure, and improving the elasticity of blood vessels.
References
1. Litwin T, Członkowska A. Stroke—an introduction. In: Stępień A, ed. Neurology. Warsaw: Medical Tribune Polska; 2014:171–188.
2. Kaczorowski R, Murjas B, Bartosik-Psujek H. Advances and new perspectives in stroke treatment in Poland.
3. Podemski R, ed. Compendium of Neurology. Gdańsk: Via Medica; 2012.
4. Strepikowska A, Buciński A. Stroke—risk factors and prevention. NZOZ Neurology Clinic in Olsztyn, Wańkowicza 5; Department and Chair of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum UMK in Bydgoszcz.
5. Mazur R, Świerkocka-Miastkowska M. Stroke—early symptoms. Heart and Vascular Diseases. 2005;2(2):84–87.
6. Banecka-Majkutewicz Z, Dobkowska M, Wachowicz H. Analysis of ischemic stroke risk factors.
7. Lee CD, Folsom AR, Blair SN. Physical activity and stroke risk: a meta-analysis. Stroke. 2003;34(10):2475–2481.
8. Kozubski K, ed. Neurology: A Textbook for Medical Students. Vols 1-2. Warsaw: Via Medica; 2014.
9. Okrój-Lubecka J, Szurowska E, Kozera G. Neuroimaging of acute ischemic stroke in clinical practice.
10. Machulska MA, Tyrakowska-Dadełło ZJ. Diagnosis of ischemic stroke using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
11. Szarmach A, Szurowska E, Kozera G, Studniarek M. Modern imaging techniques for posterior fossa stroke lesions. Stroke. 2008;10(1):27–39.
12. Walecki J. Imaging diagnostics of early stroke. Polish Neurology Review. 2010;6(1):1–16.
13. Dillon WP. Cerebral ischemia and stroke. New CT techniques. UCSF Neuro and Musculoskeletal Imaging. 2003;6:205–217.
14. Manelfe C, Cognard C. Acute stroke: management in the early phase. UCSF Neuro and Musculoskeletal Imaging. 2003;6:199–204.
15. Walecki J, ed. Neuroradiology. Warsaw: UN-O; 2000.
16. Rosenberger R, Wojtek P, Konopka M, Pieniążek P, Bogusz I, Sąsiadek M. Clinical applications of perfusion computed tomography, diffusion-weighted MRI, and perfusion-weighted MRI in early ischemic stroke lesion detection.
17. Arkuszewski M, Rość-Bereza K, Opala G. Stroke as a complication of acute coronary syndrome—questions for the neurologist.
18. Ryglewicz D. Stroke prevention. Neurological Updates. 2005;3(5):189–193.
19. Leszczyńska A. Sports for health! Reflections on the physical activity of Poles.
20. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. What is a stroke? Published February 26, 2015.
21. Hill MD. Diagnostic biomarkers for stroke: a stroke neurologist's perspective. Clin Chem. 2005;51(11):2001–2002.
22. Sobieszczańska M, Kałka D, Pilecki W, Adamus J. Physical activity in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
23. McGill HC Jr, McMahan CA, Herderick EE, et al. Origin of atherosclerosis in childhood and adolescence. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72(suppl):1307S–1315S.
24. Halbert JA, Silagy CA, Finucane P, et al. The effectiveness of exercise training in lowering blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of 4 weeks or longer. J Hum Hypertens. 1997;11:641–649.
25. Kraus WE, Houmard JA, Duscha BD, et al. Effects of amount and intensity of exercise on plasma lipoproteins. N Engl J Med. 2002;347:1483–1492.
26. Eaton CB, Lapane KL, Garber CE, et al. Effects of a community-based intervention on physical activity: the Pawtucket Heart Health Program. Am J Public Health. 1999;89(11):1741–1744.
27. Schuler G, Hambrecht R, Schlierf G, et al. Regular physical exercise and low-fat diet: effects on progression of coronary artery disease. Circulation. 1992;86:1–11.
28. Whelton SP, Chin A, Xin X, He J. Effect of aerobic exercise on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ann Intern Med. 2002;136:493–503.
29. Ali A, Mehra MR, Lavie CJ, et al. Modulatory impact of cardiac rehabilitation on hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with coronary artery disease and ‘normal’ lipid levels. Am J Cardiol. 1998;82:1543–1545.
30. Hambrecht R, Wolf A, Gielen S, et al. Effect of exercise on coronary endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease. N Engl J Med. 2000;342:454.
31. Knowler WC, Barrett-Connor E, Flower SE, et al. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. N Engl J Med. 2002;346:393–403.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Gabriela Ferfecka, Patrycja Marta, Klaudia Pawełek , Natalia Morawiecka, Magdalena Rosa-Bończak, Agata Ossolińska, Filip Huzarski, Lucyna Stolarska, Weronika Kłosowicz, Olivier Carlton

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The periodical offers access to content in the Open Access system under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0
Stats
Number of views and downloads: 58
Number of citations: 0