Occupational Physical Activity in Young Adults and Stroke: Was It Due to My Job?

Tarig H Balla Abdalla,Javeria N Syeda,Zahid Saghir,Adnan S Muhammad,Ian H Rutkofsky

doi:10.7759/cureus.3217

Abstract

The association of physical activity and stroke among working young adults and vice versa has increasingly empathized in recent years. Lack of physical activity, along with many other modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, atherosclerosis, and diabetes, contributes through vascular dysfunction to the development of adverse cerebrovascular events in the future and has always been a topic of interest in the fields of neurology and stroke rehabilitation. We wrote this review article to elaborate on this relationship in detail. This article suggests that the physical activity role in stroke development and the rehabilitation process has a diverse role, where individuals with low physically active occupations are prone to develop a stroke more readily in comparison with other workers who have a moderate amount of physical activity in their jobs; however, less mobility appeared to be harmful too soon after stroke. In addition, we elucidate the effects of physical activity on sympathetic activity and remodeling of vascular response. Alterations in the neuroendocrine system include several factors. This includes harmful changes caused by increasing levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine. These changes are seen with stress-induced cerebrovascular injury and are often elevated in post-stroke patients. In contrast, post-stroke patients engaged in physical activity may prevent these harmful neurotrophic factors by reducing the elevated levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine. However, we need more studies in the near future to further explore this association process. Therefore, we recommend more research to explore the relationship of occupation-related factors and adverse stroke outcomes.

Highlights

We are most often asked two questions after a patient suffers from a stroke: “How am I going to return to my work, pay my bills, and get my life back in order?” and "What caused my stroke?” Many patients, especially young adults, are surprised to learn that their current job may have contributed to the risk factors leading to stroke, since their occupation is often directly related to their lifestyle and is one of the determinants as to how much daily physical activity and inactivity is involved
Physical activity has a significant role in the development of stroke in working adults
Figures are rising in young adults across different age groups, especially females for a yet unknown reason

Summary

Introduction

We are most often asked two questions after a patient suffers from a stroke: “How am I going to return to my work, pay my bills, and get my life back in order?” and "What caused my stroke?” Many patients, especially young adults, are surprised to learn that their current job may have contributed to the risk factors leading to stroke, since their occupation is often directly related to their lifestyle and is one of the determinants as to how much daily physical activity and inactivity is involved. Direct analysis between occupational physical activity and stroke, was not included in this study [6] In their systemic review article, Huang et al revealed their findings of the molecular contribution of acute stress hormones with vascular accidents, cardiovascular accidents, in 2013, four years after a similar review. The role of physical activity required in a job type influences stroke management and rehabilitation, it has, in addition, an important role in stroke prevention [15] It augments public health efforts in the alleviation of long-term impact, especially among older workers [16]. Patients with chronic stroke tend to prioritize task accuracy and completion over maintaining activity speed [20]

Conclusions

Disclosures

Smajlović D

Findings

13. Jones TA