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Over 30 months,369 case subjects and 678 control subjects were enrolled. Mean age was 69.9+/-12 years;57%were women,18%whites,30%blacks,and 52% Hispanics.Leisure-time physical activity was significantly protective for stroke after adjustment for cardiac disease,peripheral vascular disease, hypertension,diabetes,smoking,alcohol use,obesity,medical reasons for limited activity,education,and season of enrollment(OR=0.37;95%confidence interval=0.25 to 0.55).The protective effect of physical activity was detected in both younger and older groups,in men and women,and in whites, blacks,and Hispanics.A dose-response relationship was shown for both intensity(light-moderate activity OR=0.39;heavy OR=0.23)and duration(<2 h/ wk OR=0.42;2 to<5 h/wk OR=0.35;>/=5 h/wk OR=0.31)of physical activity. Leisure-time physical activity was related to a decreased occurrence of ischemic stroke in our elderly,multiethnic,urban subjects.More emphasis on physical activity in stroke prevention campaigns is needed among the elderly. |
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