Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Patterns and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Urban Indian Children

Abstract

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.