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Physical Activity, Obesity Status, and Blood Pressure in Preschool Children

Susana Vale1, Stewart G Trost2, Carla Rêgo3

  • 1Research Center in Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Sport Science, High School of Education, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|May 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Overweight preschoolers with low physical activity have a higher risk of elevated blood pressure. Meeting daily activity recommendations is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Elevated blood pressure (BP) in childhood is a growing concern.
  • Childhood obesity rates remain high, necessitating research into associated health risks.
  • Understanding the interplay of physical activity and weight status on BP is vital for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the combined impact of physical activity levels and weight status on blood pressure in preschool children.
  • To identify specific risk profiles for elevated blood pressure in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • Objective assessment of physical activity using accelerometry over 7 days.
  • Categorization of children based on meeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendations (≥60 minutes/day).
  • Classification of weight status (nonoverweight vs. overweight/obese) using International Obesity Task Force benchmarks and BP measurement with automated monitors.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of elevated systolic BP was 7.7% and elevated diastolic BP was 3.0%.
  • 32% of children were classified as overweight/obese, and 15% did not meet MVPA recommendations.
  • Overweight/obese children with insufficient MVPA were 3.8 times more likely to have elevated systolic BP compared to nonoverweight, sufficiently active children.

Conclusions:

  • Overweight or obese preschoolers with inadequate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity face a significantly higher risk of elevated systolic blood pressure.
  • Promoting sufficient physical activity is essential for mitigating blood pressure risks in overweight and obese preschool-aged children.
Abstract

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