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Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Patterns and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Urban Indian Children
Aaminah Kausar1, Sumithra Selvam2, Deepa Puttaswamy1
1Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Insights
Most Indian children do not get enough moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Lack of time for academics and facilities are key barriers, with low MVPA linked to higher blood pressure in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Cardiovascular Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood obesity and cardiometabolic risk are growing concerns in India.
- Understanding physical activity patterns is crucial for preventative health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) duration in Indian children.
- To identify barriers to physical activity.
- To examine the association between MVPA and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 4004 urban children (aged 6-19) in Bengaluru, India.
- Data collected via questionnaires on physical activity and barriers.
- Measurements included anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, HbA1c, and lipid profile.
Main Results:
- 81% of children did not meet recommended MVPA levels, with girls disproportionately affected.
- Children with no MVPA showed elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- Primary barriers identified were academic time constraints and lack of space/facilities.
Conclusions:
- Indian children fall short of recommended daily MVPA.
- Academic pressures and inadequate facilities significantly hinder physical activity.
- Lack of MVPA is associated with increased blood pressure in this population.
Objective:
To determine the duration of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), perceived barriers to physicaly activity and examine its association with cardiometabolic risk factors in Indian children.
Methods:
Sociodemographic data, physical activity patterns and the barriers to physical activity were collected using questionnaires, from urban children aged 6-19 years residing in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile were measured.
Results:
The mean (SD) age of a total of 4004 enrolled children was 13.1 (2.5) years; 17.8% were overweight/obese. The median (IQR) duration of MVPA was 7.7 (0.0, 44.1) minutes/day, with 81% (n = 3252) not meeting the MVPA recommendation, particularly girls (88.6%; n = 1980/2234). In adjusted analysis, children who did not engage in MVPA had elevated systolic blood pressure (mm Hg) [1.07 (95% CI 0.40, 1.35)] and diastolic blood pressure (mm Hg) [1.09 (95% CI 0.40, 1.77)]. Significant barriers to engaging in physical activity included time constraints due to academic work and lack of space/facilities.
Conclusion:
Indian children do not meet the required daily MVPA recommendations; academic demands and limited access to space/facilities were significant barriers to physical activity. Children who did not engage in any form of MVPA had significantly higher blood pressure.
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