Physical activity is associated with lower all-cause mortality among individuals with prior stroke, with a dose-response relationship, according to a study published online Aug. 11 in Neurology.

Raed A. Joundi, M.D., D.Phil., from the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, and colleagues examined the correlation between physical activity and all-cause mortality in a cohort of 895 individuals with prior stroke and 97,805 controls, while adjusting for sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, and functional health limitations.

The researchers found that for both those with prior stroke and controls, adherence to physical activity guidelines correlated with a lower risk for death (adjusted hazard ratios, 0.46 [95 percent confidence interval, 0.29 to 0.73] and 0.69 [95 percent confidence interval, 0.62 to 0.76], respectively). A strong dose-response relationship was seen in both groups, with a steep early slope; most of the associated risk reduction occurred between 0 and 20 metabolic equivalent hours/week. Physical activity was associated with a greater risk reduction in those aged younger than 75 years (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.21; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.10 to 0.43) compared with those aged 75 years or older (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.68; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.42 to 1.12) in the group of stroke survivors.

"Our results are exciting, because just three to four hours a week of walking was associated with big reductions in mortality, and that may be attainable for many community members with prior stroke," Joundi said in a statement.

One author disclosed financial ties to the biopharmaceutical and medical technology industries.