Regular physical activity can reduce brain bleeding in people with intracerebral hemorrhage. This was the conclusion reached by researchers at the University of Gothenburg, who conducted a a retrospective study on 686 people treated for intracerebral hemorrhage.
Physical activity reduces intracerebral hemorrhage
Published May 24, 2023 10:06
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The scientists were unable to determine the cause-and-effect relationship of the observed phenomenon, but they unequivocally showed that hemorrhage was less in physically active people than in inactive ones.
An active physical participant in the study was defined as someone who engaged in at least light physical activity consisting of walking, biking, swimming, gardening or dancing for at least 4 hours a week. We observed that those who engaged in regular physical activity had an average of 50% less hematoma volume at the time of admission than those who were inactive. Such a phenomenon has previously been noted in animals, but not in humans, say the study's lead author, doctoral student Adam Viktorisson.
Intracerebral hemorrhage can be very dangerous. That's why people who arrive at the hospital with its symptoms are examined with a CT scanner. Sometimes surgical intervention is required, but in most cases the use of appropriate medications is sufficient.
The discovery by the Gothenburg researchers applies to all types of intracerebral hemorrhages, regardless of their location. Physically active patients had smaller hematomas both for hemorrhages in the deeper regions of the brain, often caused by high blood pressure, and near the surface, where hemorrhages are linked to age-related conditions like dementia.
Professor Katharina Stibrant Sunnerhagen says this research is a good starting point to better understand the relationship between intracerebral hemorrhage and physical activity. We hope that our work will lead to a better understanding of intracerebral hemorrhage and the development of better methods to prevent the condition.
