Physical Activity as a Predictor of Changes in Systolic Blood Pressure for African-American Adolescents Seeking Treatment for Obesity

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and whether physical activity and obesity status predicted SBP change for African-American adolescents (n = 181) participating in a behavioral weight control trial.

Methods: Data were collected at baseline, 7 months (end-of-treatment), and 9 months (2-month follow-up).

Results: Nearly half of adolescents achieved clinically significant SBP reductions at 7 and 9 months. Significantly, fewer adolescents had elevated SBP at 7 and 9 months compared with baseline (both p < .001). Changes in percent overweight and moderate-to-vigorous activity predicted changes in SBP over time.

Conclusions: Obesity reduction and increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity may predict short-term, clinically meaningful reductions in SBP for African American adolescents with obesity.

Keywords: Adolescents; Blood pressure; Health disparities; Obesity; Physical activity.