Relationship between anthropometrics indexes and blood pressure response to exercise in children

Abstract

The relationship of anthropometrics indexes and hypertension has not been largely investigated in Brazil. The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between blood pressure and anthropometrics indexes. The blood pressure was measured before, during and after a physical education class in 38 children of 10-12 years-old. The anthropometrics indexes were: body mass, height, triceps, skinfolds and subscapular. BMI and percentage of body fat were also calculated. The systolic blood pressure in rest and after the physical education class was associated with every index. The diastolic blood pressure was not associated with any indexes, except after the physical education class and BMI (r = 0.38, p < 0.05). The relationships between indexes and blood pressure during the physical education class were not significant. These findings indicate that body fat can influence haemodynamic variables and suggested preventive intervention of obesity in school phase.