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Insights into physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk in young children: IDEFICS study

Robert G McMurray1

  • 1Fetzer Hall, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. exphys@live.unc.edu

BMC Medicine
|August 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profiles are present in young children, differing by sex. Physical activity recommendations for children should be individualized, not generalized.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Cardiovascular Disease Research
  • Exercise Science

Background:

  • Research on physical activity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in children is extensive but often excludes very young children.
  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profiles, indicated by metabolic syndrome risk scores, are increasingly recognized in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profiles in very young children (ages 2-6).
  • To examine the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and CVD risk in children.
  • To determine sex-specific physical activity recommendations for mitigating CVD risk in children.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profiles using clustered risk scores for metabolic syndrome in children aged two to nine years.
  • Evaluation of the association between physical activity levels, specifically moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and CVD risk factors.
  • Comparison of physical activity requirements between boys and girls across different age groups.

Main Results:

  • Adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profiles are evident in children as young as two years old.
  • These risk profiles differ significantly between boys and girls.
  • Specific MVPA guidelines were identified: boys aged 6 or younger need >60 minutes/day, boys aged 6-9 need >80 minutes/day, and girls need approximately 15 minutes less than boys in corresponding age groups.

Conclusions:

  • Clinicians should assess "at risk" children individually for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and physical activity needs.
  • Generalized physical activity guidelines may not be sufficient for all children; personalized recommendations are crucial.
  • Early identification and intervention regarding physical activity are vital for preventing long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks in children.

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