484 Children's Blood Pressure and Physical Activity

Abstract

Primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases and promotion of active lifestyle should start early. Blood pressure (BP) in childhood correlates with BP in adulthood. The knowledge about children's physical activity influence on BP is limited.

Aims: To analyse the relation between physical activity (PhyA) and time of “screen-activities” (ST) performed by children and BP.

Methods: 428 children were enrolled, provided parent's consent. Measurements: BP: systolic (syst) and diastolic (diast) Z-score, pulse pressure (PP), mean pressure (PM). Activity information was obtained from:

• 1) a seven-day questionnaire,

• 2) the K13Plus PhyA and sedentary behaviour scale (K13 PhyS).

Based on Z-score BP values participants were classified in: High-BP (HBP) ≥ 1.03 (n: syst=46, diast=100), Normal-BP (NBP) < 1.03 (n: syst=382, diast=328).

Results:

• - Mean± DS Age 7.9±2.4 years. K13 PhyS 5.6±1.8 points. Screen-time 65.3±43.4 minutes/day.

• PhysA intensity (minutes/day): low 35.5±32.2, moderate 49,9±43.6, vigorous 29.2±21.6, moderate+vigorous 78.7±49.2

• - Correlation's analysis (significant results, (*almost) Pearson C.) : Moderate+vigorous PhyA: ZScoreBPsyst (-0,163), ZScoreBPdias (-0,116), PP (-0,102*), PM (-0,16).

Moderate PhyA: ZScoreBPsyst (-0,102*), PP (-0,115), PM (-0,135).

Vigorous PhyA: ZScoreBPsyst (-0,16)

K13 PhyS: ZScoreBPsyst (-0,107)

Screen-time: PP (0,12)

• - Comparison of means showed: less mean time/ day of moderate, and moderate+vigorous PhyA in HBPsyst (HBP 38.3±28,7; 63.7±39,4. NBP 50,8±49,1; 82,7±80,0).

Conclusions:

• - Children studied just reach current PhyA and “screen-time” recommendations.

• - PhyA have an effect on children's BPvalues.

• - Mean time/day of moderate+vigorous PhyA seems to be the best preventive factor; inversely “screentime”/ day.

• - PhyA and BP at childhood relationship must be considered as protective cardiovascular risk factors.

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