Abstract
Purpose. The association between physical activity (PA) and inflammation has been established in adults, yet little is known about this relationship in youth. This study examined the relationship between vigorous PA and C-reactive protein (CRP) in adolescents. Methods. Data were available for 1 520 adolescents, aged 13 and 16 years, in a province-wide survey of a representative sample of youth in Québec, Canada. Participants completed questionnaires assessing VPA, pubertal stage, body image, and health problems; they provided a fasting blood sample for CRP; and they had height and weight measured. Results. In sex-specific multivariable logistic regression models, VPA was protective of elevated CRP in boys (OR=0.60, 95%CI=0.37–0.99) independent of weight status, pubertal stage, anti-inflammatory/antibiotic medication, and smoking. CRP and physical activity were not related in girls (OR=1.12, 95%CI=0.69–1.82). Conclusions. In addition to many known health benefits of VPA, the current findings provide evidence that VPA may protect against low-grade systemic inflammation in boys. These data provide further support for the importance of promoting healthy PA levels in youth.
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Acknowledgements
The survey was funded by the Québec Ministry of Health and Social Services and by Health Canada. The study on insulin and cardiovascular risk factors in youth is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (MOP-44027). We thank participants and their families. Jennifer O’Loughlin holds a CRC in the Early Determinants of Adult Chronic Disease. Nancy Low is the recipient of a T.H.P. Molson fellowship and Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec Chercheur-Boursier Clinicien Award.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.