Research results have been published that should be of interest to Koreans, for whom ‘study is a top priority’ from a young age. It has been shown that if a person continues to sit for more than 6 hours a day while growing up from childhood to adolescence, systolic blood pressure can rise by more than 4 mmHg.
This study, published in the prestigious international journal Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, was conducted in collaboration with the University of Bristol and the University of Exeter in the UK, and the University of Eastern Finland in Finland.
Researchers followed 2,513 people (61% female; average age at study start: 11.72 years) born in England in the 1990s for 13 years, from ages 11 to 24. At the start of the study, the children spent an average of 6 hours a day sitting, 6 hours of light physical activity (LPA), and 55 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). As I entered adulthood, I spent 9 hours a day sitting, 3 hours on LPA, and about 50 minutes on MVPA. LPA and MVPA decreased, but blood pressure showed an inverted U-shaped increase.
The average blood pressure increased from 106/56 mmHg in childhood to 117/67 mmHg in adulthood, a change that is consistent with normal physiological development.
What is noteworthy is that as the time spent sitting continues to increase from the age of 11 to 24, systolic blood pressure increases by more than 4 mmHg on average. Conversely, consistent light physical activity during this period lowered systolic blood pressure by 3 mmHg. On the other hand, MVPA was not related to blood pressure.
Additionally, it was found that converting 10 minutes of every hour of sitting time into light physical activity between the ages of 11 and 24 reduced systolic blood pressure by 3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2 mmHg.
This “has great clinical significance,” the researchers noted.
“Studies show that in adults, a 5 mmHg decrease in blood pressure reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by 10%, so this change in numbers is very important,” said Andrew Agbaje, professor of clinical epidemiology and child health at the University of Eastern Finland. said.
According to Medical Express, a medical media outlet, this study is the world’s largest in its field and the longest follow-up study on exercise behavior and blood pressure changes tracked with accelerometers.
Blood pressure, sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were measured at ages 11, 15, and 24 years.
“We have previously shown that high blood pressure in adolescence increases the risk of premature heart damage in early adulthood. “Childhood sedentary time is a potential cause of high blood pressure and the fact that light physical activity (3 hours per day) acts as an effective antidote has important clinical and public health implications,” Professor Agbaye said.
Researchers suggested that replacing 10 minutes of daily sitting time every hour with light activity could significantly lower blood pressure. Light physical activities include walking, doing housework, swimming, and riding a bike.
Meanwhile, according to the results of the student health examination sample statistics and youth health behavior survey conducted by the Ministry of Education and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in 2023, the average daily time spent sitting for learning purposes during the week by middle and high school students in Korea is 455 minutes (7 hours 35 minutes), and the average time spent sitting for purposes other than learning is 455 minutes (7 hours 35 minutes). The time is 322 minutes (5 hours 22 minutes) on weekends.
The rate of physical activity for more than 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week is very low at 24.6% of male students and 9.2% of female students.
According to a recent announcement by the Korean Society of Hypertension, 28% of adults over 20 years of age and 33% of adults over 30 years of age in Korea have high blood pressure, and an estimated 12.3 million people are estimated to have high blood pressure.
How can parents and educators promote physical activity to counteract sedentary behavior in children and adolescents?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Professor Andrew Agbaje
Time.news Editor: Good day, Professor Agbaje. Thank you for joining us today to discuss your pivotal research on the impact of sedentary behavior and physical activity on blood pressure among youth.
Professor Andrew Agbaje: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to share our findings.
Editor: Your study reveals some concerning trends regarding the time children spend sitting and its long-term impacts on blood pressure. Could you summarize the key outcomes for our audience?
Professor Agbaje: Certainly. Our research, which spanned over 13 years and included 2,513 participants from England, found that as children transition into young adulthood, their sitting time increases significantly—from an average of about 6 hours a day at age 11 to 9 hours at age 24. This increase in sedentary behavior correlated with a rise in systolic blood pressure by over 4 mmHg. Conversely, maintaining consistent light physical activity significantly lowered systolic blood pressure.
Editor: That’s quite striking. For many in Korea, where educational rigor often leads to long hours of sitting, this data is particularly relevant. What did you discover about light physical activity during these formative years?
Professor Agbaje: Yes, the findings are especially poignant for cultures that prioritize academic achievement. Interestingly, we found that converting just 10 minutes of sitting into light physical activity each hour could reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure effectively. This suggests that even short breaks can have a significant impact on health.
Editor: It’s fascinating how seemingly small adjustments can reap such significant benefits. Could you explain why moderate to vigorous physical activity didn’t show the same relationship with blood pressure in your study?
Professor Agbaje: That’s a great question. Our hypothesis is that the transition into adulthood often sees a decrease in moderate to vigorous physical activity as responsibilities grow and free time diminishes. While these activities are essential for overall health, the immediate benefits on blood pressure might not be as pronounced as those achieved through consistent light activities—especially given that blood pressure is influenced by various factors.
Editor: This is indeed a nuanced finding. In light of your research, what practical advice would you offer parents and educators to help combat this increase in sedentary behavior among children and adolescents?
Professor Agbaje: Encouraging regular, short breaks during study time can make a substantial difference. Simple activities like stretching, short walks, or even light chores can help. Schools can also integrate more physical movement into the day through active breaks or incorporating fitness into the curriculum. The goal is to create an environment that promotes movement, even in small doses.
Editor: That’s excellent advice. As someone who has followed this research for years, what do you believe is the societal impact of these findings, especially as we discuss health policies for youth?
Professor Agbaje: The societal impact is profound. We are seeing an alarming trend in rising blood pressure levels in younger populations. Since even a modest reduction in blood pressure can significantly lower the risks of heart attacks and strokes, there’s a pressing need for public health initiatives that promote active lifestyles among youth. This may involve policy changes that prioritize physical activity in schools and communities.
Editor: Thank you, Professor Agbaje, for sharing these insights and reminding us of the importance of balancing study with physical activity. Your research will undoubtedly resonate with many as they consider how to incorporate healthy habits into daily life.
Professor Agbaje: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss our work. I hope it inspires proactive steps toward better health for our youth.
Editor: Absolutely. We look forward to following future developments in this area of research. Thank you once again!
Professor Agbaje: My pleasure!