Lack of physical activity in young children is related to higher composite risk factor score for cardiovascular disease

Aim: This study evaluates whether accelerometer-measured physical activity is related to higher composite risk factor scores for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in children. Methods: Cross-sectional study that included 223 children aged 7.9-11.1 years (boys n = 123, girls n = 100). Daily physical activity was assessed by accelerometers for 4 days. Body fat was quantified by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured during a maximal exercise test. Resting heart rate and blood pressure were measured. Z-scores [(value for the individual - mean value for group)/SD] were calculated for each variable, and the sum of different risk factor z-scores used as an index of composite risk factors score for CVD. Results: Partial correlations, from General Linear Model, between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), vigorous physical activity (VPA) and general physical activity versus index of composite risk factor score were in boys 0.29, 0.33 and 0.30 (all p < 0.05), respectively. The corresponding correlations in girls were -0.28, -0.32 (both p < 0.05) and -0.18 (NS), respectively. Conclusion: Low amounts of MVPA and VPA were related to higher composite risk factor scores for CVD in children aged 8-11 years.