Effects of aerobic exercise on non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Prog Cardiovasc Nurs. 2008 Summer;23(3):128-32. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-7117.2008.00002.x.

Abstract

The authors used the meta-analytic approach to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) in children and adolescents. Thirteen non-HDL-C outcomes in 404 males and females (221 exercise, 183 control) were available for pooling. Random-effects modeling yielded a nonstatistically significant exercise minus control group reduction of 0.61% in non-HDL-C (X +/- SEM, -0.7 +/- 2.4 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval [CI], -5.4 to 5.0 mg/dL). A statistically significant decrease of 7% was found for percent body fat (X +/- SEM, -2.1 +/- 0.5%, 95% CI, -3.0 to -1.2%) as well as an 8% increase in aerobic capacity (X +/- SEM, 3.4 +/- 1.0 mL/kg/min, 95% CI, 1.4-5.3 mL/kg/min), both secondary outcomes of the study. It was concluded that aerobic exercise does not reduce non-HDL-C but does improve percent body fat and aerobic capacity in children and adolescents. However, a need exists for additional studies on this topic.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bias
  • Body Weight
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Child Nutrition Disorders / prevention & control
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood*
  • Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic
  • Exercise
  • Exercise Therapy* / methods
  • Exercise Tolerance
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / blood
  • Hypercholesterolemia / complications
  • Hypercholesterolemia / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Obesity / prevention & control
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic*
  • Research Design
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cholesterol, LDL