Higher exercise frequency associated with lower blood pressure in Hong Kong adolescents: a population-based study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the association between blood pressure and the frequency of structured physical training activity in Chinese adolescents. A total of 9558 students aged 11-18 years underwent anthropometric and blood pressure measurements in a crosssectional growth study. Structured physical training activity was assessed by two simple self-administered questions and parents were asked to complete a questionnaire providing demographic information. Ninety per cent of eligible students participated in the study, of which 94% provided data on physical training frequency for final analysis. Of the boys, 22.6% and of the girls, 14.5% were physically active with extracurricular school exercise at least twice a week. Over half of the students did not regularly exercise except during physical education classes at school. Blood pressure had a positive correlation with body mass index (BMI). Both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were substantially decreased with increased training frequency (Po0.05). Logistic regression adjusting for age, family history of hypertension, BMI and sleep duration showed that exercising two or more times a week had a negative relation with hypertension (odds ratio: 0.63, 95%CI 0.47-0.85). In conclusion, structured physical training activity of two or more times a week has a beneficial effect on blood pressure in Hong Kong children aged 11-18 years.

Prevalence and risk factors for hypertension in Hong Kong Chinese adolescents: waist circumference predicts hypertension, exercise decreases risk

“…We previously reported that higher exercise frequency was associated with lower blood pressure as measured at a single sitting 29. The current study demonstrates that higher exercise frequency lowers the risk of hypertension based on a more robust definition of hypertension.…”

Regular exercise and a healthy dietary pattern are associated with lower resting blood pressure in non-obese adolescents: a population-based study

“…We and others have previously reported the association between higher rates of PA and lower rates of hypertension. 13,[24][25][26] Although diet has been recognised as an important factor that can influence BP in adults, there is limited evidence that diet can affect the BP in children or adolescents. 27 The CYKIDS Study 16,17 enrolled 622 Cypriot school children (11.7 ± 0.83 years), and using the KIDMED index, it was shown that good adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with lower systolic and diastolic BP levels.…”

Socioeconomic Gradient in Childhood Obesity and Hypertension: A Multilevel Population-Based Study in a Chinese Community

“…An explanation and a detailed list of common exercise classes in Hong Kong were provided in the questionnaire. The item has been shown to have good predictive validity in previous reports [ 18 ]. Number of school physical education lessons was consistent across schools (two 45-minute lessons per week [ 19 ]) so it was not considered in this study.…”