Two years of regular exercise decreases blood pressure and improves motor skills in early childhood

Purpose Today’s children experience an increasing deficiency in physical activity accompanied by increasing evidence of cardiovascular risk factors such as overweight and elevated blood pressure. Therefore, 3-year-old children were included in a controlled prospective study to assess the efficacy of a preventive regular exercise program on blood pressure (BP) regulation and motor skills. Methods 160 children (INT) in 17 nursery schools participated in a regular exercise program. 105 comparable individuals served as controls (CON). BP was measured at rest and during standardized ergometric exercise. Motor testing included jumping, running, and balance skills. Results Prior to intervention, both groups were comparable in all measurements. After 2 years, both groups improved in all tests with significant differences between the two groups. Diastolic BP (dBP) was significantly lower in INT when compared with CON at rest and during standardized exercise (62 ± 11 vs. 68.8 ± 11 mmHg). After 2 years, dBP decreased during exercise in INT when compared with dBP at rest. In contrast, there was an increase in dBP during exercise in CON. INT came off better in balance (195 vs. 139 cm; p < 0.001), jumping (103.9 vs. 83.7 cm; p < 0.001), and 6-m running (2.2 vs. 2.62 s; p < 0.001). Conclusions In very young children, 2 years of regular exercise had beneficial effects on BP at rest and BP regulation during exercise and motor skills. Therefore, children should be encouraged to exercise regularly to prevent cardiovascular risk factors such as arterial hypertension and morbidity and mortality in later life.