Abstract

This study investigated the influenced of cardio respiratory fitness (CRF) on blood pressure (BP) among teenagers in Kano state. The research design used for the study was a cross-sectional design. Random sampling was used to recruit a total of five hundred and twenty (520) teenage students of ages 13 – 19 years from twelve (12) public secondary schools in Kano state. Weight, height, and BP of all the subjects were measured using weighing scale, calibrated wall meter, and mercury sphygmomanometer respectively. CRF was determined using PACER tape, and the scores were converted to peak VO2 score using regression equation by Leger et al. On the basis of each subject peak VO2 value, subjects were divided into two (2) groups: those with peak VO2 value of greater than or equals to 39.4ml/kg/min were considered as fit group, and those with less than 39.4ml/kg/min were considered as unfit group. Data collected were summarized using descriptive statistics and was analyzed using inferential statics of independent t-test, and Pearson product moment correlation at an alpha level of 0.05 with statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 15. The findings of the study shows a significant influence of CRF on systolic BP (SBP) (t=7.783, df=518, p<0.05), and on diastolic BP (DBP) (t=16.679, df=518, p<0.05). A significant relationship between CRF and SBP (r= -0.317, P<0.05) as well as between CRF and DBP (r=0.583, P<0.05) was found. Based on the study findings, it is therefore recommended that CRF should be considered while assessing teenage patients

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