Impact of physical exercise/activity on vascular structure and inflammation in pediatric populations: A literature review.

PURPOSE: To describe the effects of physical exercise/activity on the vascular architecture of children and adolescents, as well as to identify the effects of inflammation and sedentary behaviors on this relationship.

METHODS: Potentially relevant articles were identified in the databases MEDLINE and PubMed covering the period from 2000 to 2015. No language restrictions were applied.

RESULTS: Thirteen articles were found that included obese boys and girls in their samples (aged 9-19). Six interventional studies assessed inflammation and in five of these, physical exercise decreased inflammation. In 10 studies, vascular architecture was affected by physical exercise/activity.

CONCLUSIONS: The impact of physical exercise on vascular architecture and inflammation seems relevant, but has been mainly investigated in obese groups.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Health professionals should act together in organized interventions in schools, targeting the promotion of higher physical activity levels in children and adolescents.