Better Cardiovascular Health Indicators Seen with Engaging in Higher Levels of Physical Activity in Childhood
Engaging in higher levels of physical activity in childhood is associated with better cardiovascular health indicators, according to a study published online June 11 in Pediatrics.
Nicole A. Proudfoot and colleagues conducted a prospective, observational cohort study involving 418 3- to 5-year-olds with annual assessments for three years. Over seven days, total physical activity (TPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using accelerometry. Cardiovascular health indicators included cardiovascular fitness, resting arterial stiffness, and seated systolic blood pressure.
The researchers found that total physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity had main effects on treadmill time and heart rate recovery. Total physical activity had a main effect on pulse wave velocity and an interaction between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and time. The effect of an interaction between total physical activity and time was not significant for carotid β stiffness index, but there was a significant interaction between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and time. For girls, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with a slower rate of change in systolic blood pressure.
“Engagement in physical activity results in greater cardiovascular fitness, better autonomic function, and lower arterial stiffness during early childhood,” the authors write. “More intense physical activity (i.e., moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) provides additional benefits because it is associated with slowing the progressive stiffening of arteries, which is a marker of atherosclerosis (plaque on the artery wall).”
At Botanica Medica they come across lots of interesting studies like this one and are well aware of the importance of diet and exercise, and it’s long term effects on your life. If you would like to make an appointment with one of our Naturopaths call Botanica Medica on 8271-1827 today. Botanica Medica is located at 97 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood and appointments are available Monday to Saturday including some after hours.
REFRENCES:
published online June 11 in Pediatrics.
TUESDAY, June 11, 2019 (HealthDay News)
Nicole A. Proudfoot, from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Artwork created in Canva
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