Exercise appears to protect against major brain hemorrhage

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The study, published in the journal Stroke and Vascular Neurology, analyzed data from 686 people treated for intracerebral hemorrhage at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg during the years 2014 to 2019.

The results are based on a retrospective analysis. Causal connections cannot be identified, but the findings are clear: Those who reported regular physical activity had smaller bleeds than those who reported being inactive.

Physically active was defined as engaging in at least light physical activity, such as walking, bicycling, swimming, gardening, or dancing, for at least four hours a week.

50 percent less bleeding volume

The lead author of the study is Adam Viktorisson, a doctoral student in clinical neuroscience at the Sahlgrenska Academy of the University of Gothenburg and a doctor of general medicine at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

“We found that people who engage in regular physical activity had, on average, bleeding volumes that were 50 percent smaller upon arrival at the hospital. A similar connection had previously been seen in animal studies, but no previous study had shown this. in humans.”

All people who come to the hospital with suspected intracerebral hemorrhage undergo a computed 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 control 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 extent of the bleeding.

“In cases of significant intracerebral hemorrhages, there is a risk of increased pressure within the skull that can potentially lead to fatal outcomes,” says Thomas Skoglund, associate professor of neurosurgery at the University of Gothenburg, neurosurgeon at the University Hospital and one of the co-authors of the study.

Better understanding of intracerebral hemorrhages

The findings were significant regardless of location within the brain. Physically active people exhibited reduced bleeding both in deep brain regions, which are often associated with high blood pressure, and in superficial regions, which are linked to age-related conditions such as dementia.

The study creates scope for future research on intracerebral hemorrhages and physical activity. Katharina Stibrant Sunnerhagen, professor of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Gothenburg and senior consulting physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, is overseeing the study.

“We hope that our findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of intracerebral hemorrhages and help in the development of more effective preventive measures,” he concludes.