Physical Activity as a Predictor of Changes in Systolic Blood Pressure for African-American Adolescents Seeking Treatment for Obesity

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to examine changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and whether physical activity and obesity status predicted SBP change for African-American adolescents (n = 181) participating in a behavioral weight control trial. Methods Data were collected at baseline, 7 months (end-of-treatment), and 9 months (2-month follow-up). Results Nearly half of adolescents achieved clinically significant SBP reductions at 7 and 9 months. Significantly, fewer adolescents had elevated SBP at 7 and 9 months compared with baseline (both p Conclusions Obesity reduction and increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity may predict short-term, clinically meaningful reductions in SBP for African American adolescents with obesity.