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Complexity of the relation between physical activity and stroke: a meta-analysis
1McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Both recreational and occupational physical activity significantly reduce stroke risk. Engaging in regular exercise is linked to lower chances of experiencing ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, with notable differences observed between genders and geographical regions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle factor with potential benefits for cardiovascular health.
- Stroke, encompassing both ischemic and hemorrhagic types, remains a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide.
- Understanding the specific impact of different types of physical activity on stroke risk is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis exploring the associations between recreational and occupational physical activity and the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
- To quantify the risk reduction associated with varying levels of physical activity in occupational and leisure settings.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed on PUBMED for studies published up to December 2001, using keywords related to physical activity and stroke.
- Included were cohort and case-control studies that reported measures of physical activity and stroke outcomes, with data extracted independently by three reviewers.
- Risk estimates were standardized, and analyses considered subgroups and separated occupational from leisure-time physical activity.
Main Results:
- Both occupational and leisure-time physical activity were associated with a reduced risk of total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke compared to inactivity.
- Higher levels of occupational activity showed significant risk reduction for hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.
- Leisure-time activity demonstrated a consistent reduction in the risk of all stroke types, with greater benefits observed in men and in European studies compared to US studies.
Conclusions:
- Recreational and occupational physical activity are independently associated with a reduced risk of stroke.
- The magnitude of risk reduction varied across different types of stroke, activity levels, genders, and geographical locations.
- These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity for primary stroke prevention.