Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, largely driven by modifiable vascular and metabolic risk factors. Physical Activity (PA) is a low-cost, accessible intervention that reduces stroke risk, particularly ischemic stroke, and may mitigate stroke severity. In survivors, structured exercise improves cardiorespiratory fitness, blood pressure, mobility, and quality of life, though evidence for preventing recurrent stroke is less robust. Mechanistically, activity benefits hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity, endothelial function, inflammation, thrombosis, and cerebral perfusion, and may enhance ischemic tolerance and neuroplasticity. Despite clear benefits, implementation is limited by disability, fatigue, fear, motivation, follow-up, and access. Individualized, multidisciplinary strategies are essential to integrate PA into stroke prevention.
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Guo, X. (2025) Physical Activity for Stroke Prevention: Mechanisms, Evidence, and Implementation Strategies. Journal of Disease and Public Health, 1(3), 15-24. https://doi.org/10.71052/jdph/ANTX6890