What is the relationship between physical activity and stroke risk?
Physical inactivity is associated with an increased risk of total mortality, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and stroke. The 2008 physical activity guidelines for Americans provide an extensive review and conclude that physically active men and women generally have a 25% to 30% lower risk of stroke or mortality than the least active. Two meta-analyses of physical activity reached the same conclusion. The benefits appear to occur from a variety of activities, including leisure-time physical activity, occupational activity, and walking. The relationship between the amount or intensity of physical activity and stroke risk remains unsettled and includes the possibility of a sex interaction. One study suggested an increasing benefit with greater intensity in women (median relative risk [RR], 0.82 for all strokes for moderate-intensity versus no or light activity; RR, 0.72 for high-intensity versus no or light activity).