Abstract
Objective. To examine the association of physical fitness with C-reactive protein (CRP) level in children and young adults. Methods. Subjects (N = 205) aged 6 to 24 years were enrolled in the Columbia University BioMarkers Study (1994-1998). Physical fitness was assessed using a non-effort-dependent treadmill testing protocol (physical work capacity at heart rate of 170 beats per minute). CRP level was measured using a high-sensitivity assay. Results. Subjects were 54% female and 65% of Hispanic origin. Mean fitness level was higher in boys than in girls, but CRP levels did not differ by gender. Fitness level was inversely correlated with CRP (r = -0.22). This relationship was significant in boys (r = -0.32) but not in girls (r = -0.15). After multivariate regression adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, and family history of early-onset ischemic heart disease, physical fitness remained inversely associated with CRP level in boys (β = -0.02; standard error = 0.01). Conclusions. These findings indicate that physical fitness is inversely related to CRP level in children and that this relationship is more pronounced in boys than in girls.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 332-338 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Pediatrics |
Volume | 111 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- C-reactive protein
- Children
- Fitness
- Obesity
- Physical fitness
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health