A 5-Week Guided Active Play Program Modulates Skin Microvascular Reactivity in Healthy Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Childhood physical inactivity and early vascular aging are significant global health concerns.
• Guided Activity Play (GAP) programs show promise in improving cardiovascular risk factors and fitness in children.
• Understanding the impact of GAP on microvascular function is crucial for preventative health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if a 5-week Guided Activity Play (GAP) program enhances cutaneous microvascular reactivity in children.
• To assess the effects of GAP on children's health-related fitness parameters.
• To investigate the relationship between physical activity levels during GAP and microvascular responses.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen children (mean age 9.8 years) participated in a 5-week GAP program (4 days/week, 1 hour/day).
• Physical activity was measured using accelerometry.
• Pre- and post-assessments included anthropometrics, fitness tests, blood pressure, aerobic power, and cutaneous microvascular reactivity using sodium nitroprusside iontophoresis.

Main Results:

• Physical activity averaged 556 kcal/week, with 34.7% of time at moderate to vigorous intensity.
• Resting heart rate and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly.
• Cutaneous microvascular reactivity to sodium nitroprusside increased significantly in perfusion, vascular conductance, and response speed.
• Higher physical activity levels were associated with enhanced microvascular perfusion.

Conclusions:

• A 5-week Guided Activity Play (GAP) program effectively improved cutaneous microvascular reactivity in children.
• No significant changes were observed in body mass, musculoskeletal fitness, or estimated aerobic power.
• GAP represents a viable strategy for improving vascular health markers in pediatric populations.