Correlation 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 correlations with stroke risk remains uncertain. Thus, this study aimed to assess the correlation between LTPA, OPA, and TPA and the incidence of stroke in adults. Methods This cross-sectional study included participants’ data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Physical activity (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. Results Overall, 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 correlated with stroke, with no significant correlations detected between OPA or TPA and stroke (p > 0.05). LTPA levels of 1–149, 150–299, and ≥ 300 min/week were significantly correlated with stroke (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. Conclusion There was a significant negative correlation between domain-specific PA and stroke risk. Specifically, negative correlation existed between LTPA and stroke risk.