Abstract

This study investigated the influence of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on blood pressure (BP) among teenagers in Kano state. A cross-section study design was used. A total of five hundred and twenty (520) teenage students aged 13 – 19 years were randomly recruited from twelve (12) public secondary schools in Kano state. Weight, height, and BP of all the subjects were measured using a weighing scale, a calibrated wall meter and a mercury sphygmomanometer, respectively. CRF was determined using the PACER (tape) fitness test and the test scores were converted to peak VO2 scores using the regression equation by Leger et al. Based on the individual peak VO2 values, the subjects were divided into two groups - the fit group with peak VO2 values ≥ 39.4ml/kg/min and the unfit group with peak VO2 values < 39.4ml/kg/min. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and analyzed using inferential statistics of the 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 study findings demonstrated 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). Moreover, 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. It is therefore recommended that CRF be considered while assessing teenage patients.

Authors and Affiliations