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Physical activity and stroke risk: a meta-analysis
Chong Do Lee1, Aaron R Folsom, Steven N Blair
1Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX 79016, USA. CLee@wtamu.edu
Stroke
|September 23, 2003
Summary
Regular physical activity significantly lowers stroke risk. This meta-analysis confirms that both moderate and high activity levels reduce the incidence and mortality of total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic strokes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The relationship between physical activity and stroke risk is debated.
- Cardiorespiratory fitness is also considered a potential protective factor against stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis examining the association between physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness and stroke incidence or mortality.
- To resolve controversy regarding the protective effects of physical activity against stroke.
Main Methods:
- Searched MEDLINE (1966-2002) for relevant studies.
- Included 23 studies (18 cohort, 5 case-control).
- Estimated relative risk (RR) of stroke for different activity levels using a variance-based method.
Main Results:
- Highly active individuals showed a 25% lower risk of stroke in cohort studies (RR=0.75) and a 64% lower risk in case-control studies (RR=0.36).
- Combined analysis indicated a 27% reduced stroke risk for highly active individuals (RR=0.73).
- Moderate activity also correlated with reduced stroke risk (RR=0.80 combined), affecting both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke types.
Conclusions:
- Moderate and high levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of stroke.
- This includes reductions in total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke incidence and mortality.
- Physical activity is a significant factor in stroke prevention.