Washington, November 24 Men who follow a moderate-to-heavy exercise regime may be less likely to have a stroke than those with no physical activity, says a new study.

Lead researcher Joshua Z. Willey, MD, of Columbia University Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital at Columbia, found that men who participated in intensity activities were 63 percent less likely to have a stroke.

Willey, also a member of the American Academy of Neurology, said: "Taking part in moderate-to-heavy intensity physical activity may be an important factor in preventing stroke.

"A large percentage of the participants were not taking part in any physical activities. This may be true of many elderly people who live in cities. Identifying ways to improve physical activity among these people may be a key goal for public health."

The study was published in the November 24, 2009, print issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. (ANI)