The influence of physical activity on components of metabolic syndrome and vascular function in adolescents: A narrative review

Abstract

Inactivity causes obesity which is related to insulin resistance, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, poor vascular health and the metabolic syndrome (MS). The MS has recently been observed in youth, and if left untreated can lead to cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of physical activity (PA) on the MS components and vascular function in children and adolescents by means of a narrative review of available studies (26 studies) focusing on habitual PA and physical interventions related to the MS and vascular function. The literature review was extensive, employing NEXUS, Science Direct, PubMed and Medline. The available evidence from studies suggests that increased PA and decreased sedentary behaviour may protect against the development of arterial stiffening, high blood pressure, -triglyceride levels, -glucose levels, -waist circumference and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values, all of which are associated with components of the MS.

Key words: Physical activity, metabolic syndrome, adolescents