Elevated physical activity at school decreased blood pressure in children aged 10–12 years who were overweight and obese

Abstract Aim We investigated the effect that increased physical activity (PA) sessions had on the blood pressure of school‐aged children who were overweight and obese. Methods This Polish pilot, prospective study followed up 148 children from six elementary schools from 10 to 12 years of age. They were divided into two groups, based on parental preferences. The 88 children in the standard group received 4 h of compulsory PA sessions a week, and the 60 in the extended group received 10 h. Their height, body mass and blood pressure were measured and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results The mean BMI of the standard group remained at the 92nd percentile and decreased in the extended group, from the 95th to the 85th percentile. Between 10 and 12 years of age, the percentage of prehypertensive and hypertensive children in the standard group increased from 39.7% to 48.5% in children who were overweight and from 50.7% to 56.0% in those who were obese. In the extended group, it decreased from 41.4% to 37.0% in those who were overweight and from 51.5% to 45.0% in those who were obese. Conclusion Increasing organised school PA sessions reduced blood pressure and decreased hypertension and obesity in children aged 10–12 years.