The importance of physical activity in childhood

Researchers have found that participation in physical activity of at least moderate intensity is more critical to children’s cardiometabolic health than overall sedentary time. However, when assessing cardiovascular disease risk, screen time appears to be worse than overall sedentary time. Researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) set out to examine how time spent engaging in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and time spent in sedentary behaviors affects the risk of cardiovascular disease in children. The full article was published in the latest issue of Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism.

Results

“Although the results of this study suggest that in children, time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity appears more important than time spent in sedentary activities, with respect to cardiometabolic health, both increasing children’s participation in physical activity and reducing their screen-related sedentary time are important public health goals to achieve.” First author Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput said. Who is a researcher at the CHEO Research Institute. He is also a cross-appointed professor at the University of Ottawa. This cross-sectional study involved more than 500 participants between the ages of 8 and 10. Outcomes measured included waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol**, and glucose concentrations. Higher levels of MVPA were associated with lower waist circumference. Also less fasting triglycerides and diastolic blood pressure. HDL cholesterol was higher. Regardless of sedentary time. In contrast, sedentary time was positively associated with diastolic blood pressure. But after adjustment for MVPA, the association was not statistically significant. “Today we are providing empirical evidence to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in children. Physical activity during the day is probably more important than limiting sitting time.” Dr. Chaput continued.