Extracurricular physical activity effects on cardiovascular parameters in 11-16 years old children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v73.117618Keywords:
Children, cardiovascular parameters, physical activity, transthoracic echocardiographyAbstract
Introduction: In children and adolescents, cardiorespiratory fitness measures correlate with cardiometabolic risk factors, including overweight, obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular functional parameters.
Objectives: Primary objective of this study was evaluating the cardiovascular system parameters before and after an exercise intervention program in 11 to 16 yer old children.
Methodology: 140 youngsters, including 78 girls and 62 boys, from five different distinct Albanian cities were randomly selected. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed examining in the left lateral decubitus position. Participants engaged in a supplementary PA program five times per week for 16 weeks, with each session lasting 1.5 to 2 hours, after the conclusion of conventional physical education school hours. HR did not surpass 70% of HRmax (-145 beats per minute).
Results: A paired samples t-test was conducted to compare parameters before and after the intervention and in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), results showed a modest significant increase from pre (M = 68.77, SD = 2.56) to post-intervention (M = 69.66, SD = 2.98), t(138) = -3.89, p < .001, indicating acceptable stability of individual cardiovascular response to training.
Discussion: The exercise program produced a small but statistically significant increase in cardiac efficiency, as evidenced by the increase in LVEF. Findings support the potential benefits of structured daily exercise to enhance heart function in children.
Conclusions: Physical activity is a good strategy for improving early cardiovascular function and reducing lifetime disease risk in children.
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