Indian Pediatr. 2025 Feb 15;62(2):121-125. doi: 10.1007/s13312-025-3375-5.
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.
PMID:39912271 | DOI:10.1007/s13312-025-3375-5
