[ad_1]
Higher levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity may help curb arterial stiffening in childhood, according to a recent Finnish study. However, sedentary time or aerobic capacity was also not related to arterial health.
The findings, based on the ongoing Children’s Physical Activity and Nutrition Study (PANIC), conducted at the University of Eastern Finland, have been published in the Journal of Sports Sciences.
The study was carried out in collaboration with researchers from the University of Jyvaskyla, the University of Eastern Finland, the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences and the University of Cambridge.
Stiffened arteries are one of the first signs of an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and stiffening of the arteries has been seen even in children. High levels of physical activity, reduced sedentary time and good physical fitness form the basis of the prevention of cardiovascular disease in adulthood, but their role in promoting arterial health in elementary school children is poorly understood. .
“Our study showed that increased levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity were linked to more elastic arteries and better dilation capacity,” said Dr Eero Haapala of the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences of Jyvaskyla University.
“However, our results also suggest that the positive effects of moderate and vigorous physical activity on arterial health are partly explained by their positive effects on body composition,” added Dr Haapala.
Researchers found the healthiest arteries in children with the highest levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity, but no similar association was seen with sedentary time or light-intensity activity.
“The key message of our study is that starting in childhood, increasing moderate and vigorous physical activity is essential in preventing cardiovascular disease,” said Dr Haapala.
Dr Haapala added: “However, it should be remembered that each step is important because reducing sedentary time and increasing light physical activity have various health effects, even if they do not. ‘direct effects on the arteries. “
The study examined the association between physical activity, sedentary time, and aerobic capacity and their changes during a two-year follow-up with arterial stiffness and dilation capacity in 245 children aged 6 to 8. years at the start of the study.
Physical activity was measured using a combined heart rate and motion monitor and arterial stiffness and dilation capacity using pulse contour analysis. Body composition was measured using a DXA machine.
.
[ad_2]
Pictures Credit