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THE EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON THE BLOOD LIPIDS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS |
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| Lipid levels, namely total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high and low-density lipoprotein, can be influenced by a variety of factors, including non-modifiable (i.e. genetics) and modifiable (i.e. physical activity and dietary intake). With increasing knowledge indicating that childhood cardiovascular risk factors track into adulthood, it is important to understand the effects that exercise has on improving the blood lipid profile. For example, since the atherosclerotic process begins early in life, studying the effects of various exercise interventions on blood lipids during childhood could help retard the deleterious effects during adulthood.
To determine the effect of exercise and treatment programs on the lipid profile in children and adolescents, a *meta-analysis* has been conducted by two PFP personal trainers and Syracuse graduate students, Michael Maziekas (Ph.D student) and Jessica Mistretta (master's student). The meta-analytical investigation demonstrated that exercise improved total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-and-low density lipoproteins in children and adolescents. The most favorable alterations were observed in children and adolescents who were habitually active. Overall, however, the magnitudes of these effects were small to modest. Several explanations to rationalize the small effects included; individual variability of children's lipid levels and limited research studying the effects of the lipid profile in children and adolescents. Although there is no 'gold standard' exercise prescription to significantly improve the lipid profile in children and adolescents, the meta-analysis suggested that a structured exercise program is still beneficial at improving muscular strength and endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, it is recommended that children not only pursue structured exercise, but also choose enjoyable activities that will promote adherence to an active lifestyle. *Meta analysis* - a statistical technique that combines the findings of individual studies to quantitatively address a health care topic (lipid levels in children and adolescents) |
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