In the 2009 INTERSTROKE study, regular physical activity (PA) was associated with approximately 30% of reduced risk of stroke and could prevent approximately 30% of stroke regardless of stroke type [3]. According to the results of the 2010 meta-analysis of 13 studies from 1986 to 2005, increased PA level appears beneficial in reduction of stroke risk [73]. Since measurements of the level of PA (mostly self-reported) varied among the studies, the authors of the 2010 meta-analysis characterized PA level as low, moderate or high as it was reported in the articles or reported in a manner for reclassification. Compared with low PA, high PA resulted in a 19% (95% CI: 16–23) and 24% (95% CI: 11–36) reduction in risk of stroke among the men and women, respectively [73]. Among the men, results showed a 12% reduction in risk associated with moderate PA (95% CI: 6–18) but no significant risk reduction associated with a moderate PA level in women [73].
Clearly a dose–response relationship between PA and stroke was found in a review study [74]. While higher levels (intensity, duration and frequency) of both occupational and leisurely PA, have been shown to be significantly protective against stroke, even a moderate increase in one’s activity level can have significant benefit in reducing the risk of stroke [74]. Finally, although no studies show that increased PA after stroke reduces risk of recurrent stroke, evidence shows that a higher level of PA results in lesser stroke severity and a better long-term outcome following stroke