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Pollution and stress add to children in crowded cities having lower fitness levels than those in rural areas
Researchers looked at the fitness levels of children in congested cities in Brazil
Research news
Wednesday 28 August 2024
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Children living in congested cities have lower cardiovascular fitness levels and varying blood levels, a new study involving Coventry University researchers has found.
More than 2,000 children in southern Brazil, aged from six to 17, had their fitness assessed through a six-minute walk/run test to analyse the influence of haemoglobin-to-platelet ratio and its relationship with cardiovascular fitness levels in children and adolescents living in both urban and rural locations.
Haemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, while platelets play a crucial role in maintaining vascular integrity and blood flow.
In the study, participant’s haemoglobin and platelet count measurements were recorded as well as age, gender and body size measurements, with results showing children living in rural locations had significantly higher levels of cardiovascular fitness, as well as higher haemoglobin and lower platelet counts compared to children living in the city and surrounding areas.
Children and young people living in the city and periphery were found to have lower cardiovascular fitness levels, lower haemoglobin and higher platelet counts with researchers saying they are exposed to high levels of air pollution due to the levels of traffic, industries and use of fossil fuels in those areas.
They also found stress and exposure linked to social vulnerability - an inactive lifestyle - had a negative impact on immune and haemoglobin levels, and in turn cardiovascular fitness.
Results from the study recommend the need for more effective public health practices and policies to be put in place for children and adults in Brazil as well as in congested cities worldwide, including London.
Researchers from Coventry University’s Centre for Physical Activity, Sports and Exercise Sciences helped carry out the study which was led by the University of Wolverhampton and also involved the University of Santa Cruz do Sul and Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, both based in Brazil, and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso in Chile.
This research has key implications for public health as well as transport policy, as we demonstrate that there is a significant and negative impact on children's cardiovascular fitness where people live in more congested, traffic-heavy areas. Planning for active and sustainable travel may reduce such effects in future and have a knock-on positive benefit for children's health.
Professor Michael Duncan, Centre Director for Research Centre for Physical Activity, Sports and Exercise Sciences
This research provides compelling evidence that children living in congested cities will have a lower haemoglobin-to-platelet count ratio that appears detrimental to the children’s cardiovascular fitness and will inevitably impact on their subsequent health.
Professor Alan Nevill, Emeritus Professor at University of Wolverhampton
Read the full report and find out more about the Research Centre for Physical Activity, Sports and Exercise Sciences.
