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Published on: March 7, 2019
Inflammatory factors, physical activity, and physical fitness in young people
1School of Sport, University of Wales Institute Cardiff, Cyncoed, Cardiff, South Wales, UK.
Insights
Physical activity and fitness reduce inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in children and adolescents. This review examines the effects of exercise on these factors in young people aged 5-18 years.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular health
- Exercise science
- Pediatric inflammation
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health concern.
- Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis.
- Physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) are known protective factors against chronic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on the impact of PA and PF on inflammatory factors in young people.
- To investigate the effects of exercise on C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and fibrinogen (Fg) in individuals aged 5-18 years.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining PA, PF, and inflammatory markers in children and adolescents.
- Analysis of existing research on exercise's influence on CRP, IL-6, and Fg concentrations.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests PA and PF can reduce inflammatory markers in young people.
- Effects may be independent of adiposity, similar to findings in adults.
- Inconsistencies in the literature highlight the need for further research.
Conclusions:
- PA and PF show promise in mitigating inflammation in youth.
- More research is needed to clarify the relationship and optimize interventions.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for preventing future CVD in the pediatric population.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Over the past decade there has been much focus on the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis; to this end, there is increasing research on inflammatory factors such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and fibrinogen (Fg). There is compelling evidence that physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) protect against chronic disease. More recently, research has shown that exercise reduces CRP, IL-6, and Fg concentration in adults, and that this is often independent of adiposity. Although there are some data to suggest that this is similarly true for young people, there is inconsistency in the literature. The following review aims to illustrate what is known about the effects of PA and PF on inflammatory factors in young people aged 5-18 years.
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