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February 5, 2024
Living in a neighborhood with abundant recreational and fitness facilities increases the likelihood of individuals engaging in physical activity after surviving a mild stroke, according to a groundbreaking study published in the American Stroke Association journal. Researchers from The Ohio State University in Columbus conducted the study in New York City, discovering a significant connection between the availability of fitness/exercise centers, pools, gyms, and the sustained or increased physical activity of stroke survivors.
Lead study author Jeffrey Wing, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor of epidemiology at The Ohio State University, emphasized the importance of understanding and utilizing local physical activity resources for stroke patients during their recovery. “Our findings suggest that it’s important to have a conversation with stroke patients about physical activity resources available in their area so they are able to continue their recovery after hospital discharge,” said Wing.
The study focused on 333 people in New York City who had experienced a mild stroke, investigating the potential correlation between available fitness and exercise facilities and the level of physical activity post-stroke. The results revealed that approximately 17% of participants reported being more physically active one year after the stroke, while 48% maintained the same level of activity as before the stroke.
The odds of increased physical activity were found to be 57% higher among participants residing in areas with more recreational and fitness resources compared to those with fewer or none. Similarly, the odds of reporting the same level of physical activity one year after stroke were 47% higher for participants in neighborhoods with ample recreational centers and fitness resources.
“The takeaway from this analysis is that it’s not that people should move to a location where there are more resources to engage in physical activity, but to urge people to find ways to be active in their own neighborhood,” stated study co-author Julie Strominger, a PhD student of epidemiology at The Ohio State University.
The study highlights the significance of community-level resources in promoting post-stroke physical activity and encourages healthcare professionals to consider the local environment when advising patients on recovery strategies. As the research sheds light on the positive impact of accessible fitness facilities, it emphasizes the need for community engagement and local initiatives to support individuals in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle after a stroke.
