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Lack of relationship between sedentary behaviour and vascular function in children
Nicola Hopkins1, G Stratton, N D Ridgers
1Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moore's University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK. N.D.Hopkins@LJMU.ac.uk
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|June 1, 2011
Summary
Sedentary behavior in children is not linked to endothelial function, the earliest sign of cardiovascular disease. Even when sedentary time increased and vascular function decreased seasonally, no association was found.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric cardiovascular health
- Vascular biology
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Sedentary behavior is linked to cardiovascular disease risk.
- Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of cardiovascular disease.
- The relationship between sedentary behavior and endothelial function in children is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sedentary behavior and conduit artery endothelial function in children.
- To examine the correlation between changes in sedentary behavior and endothelial function over time.
Main Methods:
- 116 children (70 female, 46 male) aged 10.7 years were studied across two seasons (summer and late autumn).
- Endothelial function was assessed using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) via high-resolution Doppler ultrasound.
- Sedentary behavior was objectively measured using uni-axial accelerometry.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between sedentary behavior and FMD at baseline in either sex or the overall cohort.
- Despite a seasonal decrease in FMD and an increase in sedentary behavior, no correlation between these changes was observed.
- No relationship was identified between sedentary behavior and endothelial function in children.
Conclusions:
- Sedentary behavior in children does not appear to be associated with endothelial function.
- Changes in sedentary behavior over time are not linked to changes in endothelial function in this pediatric cohort.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of lifestyle factors and vascular health in children.
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