Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Children: A Meta-Analysis Update

Abstract

Background: Obesity and overweight in childhood can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease throughout live. Objectives: This study provides an update of a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCT) published in 2014, to assess the effects of physical activity interventions on preventing cardiovascular risk factors in childhood. Methods: This update combines data from the previous search with new data obtained from June 2013 to June 2020. Searches were performed on PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL. The RCTs enrolled used interventions with physical activity longer than six months in school children aged 6-12 years, and evaluated body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Data analysis was performed using a random-effects model and a P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 28,603 articles were retrieved, and 17 RCTs (11,952 subjects) were included. Physical activity interventions were associated with reduction in SBP [−2.11mmHg (95%CI −3.67, −0.54), I²43%], DBP [−2.08mmHg (95%CI −3.68, −0,49), I²65%] and TG [-0.08mmol/L (95% CI-0.13,-0.03), I²0%], and increase in TC [0.17mmol/L (95%CI 0.04, 0.30), I²0%]. However, the interventions were not associated with reductions in BMI [−0.03 kg/m2 (95%CI −0.17, 0.10), I²0%]. Conclusion: This update confirms and reinforces the beneficial effects of physical activity intervention in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure and TG levels.