Effects of a program of vigorous-to-intense physical activity in triglycerides and glucose in 3-to 16-year-old schoolchildren

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if there is a direct association between an intervention program through vigorous-to-intense physical activity and the improvement of certain values of the lipid profile through a fasting analysis of triglycerides and glucose. The sample was composed of 116 schoolchildren between the ages of 3 and 16 (52 boys and 64 girls). A biochemical analysis was used to evaluate the health parameters through a blood draw carried out by the medical staff of the Murcian Health Department. The intervention was carried out 3 times per week during 12 weeks. Through games, rule modification and variations of these, it was favored the use of short repetitions of vigorous and high intensity in races, throws and jumps. The statistical analysis was carried out with the statistical package SPSS 15.0.1 for Windows 8 Pro. It was found an association between the program and the improvement in glucose levels, but not in triglycerides. Furthermore, the improvements were equally significant in males and females of Primary and Secondary Education, but not in Pre-School Education.