Association of domain-specific physical activity with stroke: a population-based study

Background: The extent to which all forms of physical activity (PA), including leisure-time PA (LTPA), occupation-related PA (OPA), and transportation-related PA (TPA), exhibit equally advantageous associations with stroke risk remains uncertain. Thus, this study aimed to assess the correlation between LTPA, OPA, and TPA and the risk of stroke in adults. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey, we analyzed data of participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. PA was assessed using self-report questionnaires and classified according to PA guidelines. Stroke was assessed using a health questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for demographic data, behavioral factors, and health status were used to assess the relationship between PA patterns and stroke risk. Results: 26,467 participants were included (mean age: 47 years; 13,791 female). Total PA (odds ratio [OR] = 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60–0.93) and LTPA (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.58–0.94) of participants who met the PA guidelines (150 min/week) were significantly associated with lower stroke risk, with no significant associations detected between OPA or TPA and stroke risk (p > 0.05). LTPA levels of 1–149, 150–299, and ≥ 300 min/week were significantly associated with reduced stroke risk (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.42–0.88; OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.30–0.80; and OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.47–0.99), respectively. Conclusions: An association existed between domain-specific PA and stroke risk among adults in the US. Increased LTPA could potentially be linked to decreased risks of stroke. Additional prospective studies are imperative to authenticate our findings.