Research identifies cardiovascular fitness issues in children living in crowded cities

A new study from the University of Wolverhampton, in collaboration with Coventry University, and three universities in South America has identified cardiovascular fitness issues in children living in congested cities.  

The study, the first of its kind, took place in 2016/2017 in southern Brazil looking at the influence of the 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.  

More than 2,000 children, aged 6-17 years, took part in the study with their fitness assessed through a six-minute walk/run test. Participants’ haemoglobin and platelet count measurements were recorded as well as age, sex and body size measurements.  

Results from the study identified children living in rural locations to have significantly higher levels of cardiovascular fitness, as well as higher haemoglobin and lower platelet counts compared to children living in the city and periphery.  

The researchers found that children and adolescents living in the city and periphery were found to have lower cardiovascular fitness levels, lower haemoglobin and higher platelet counts because they are exposed to high levels of air pollution due to traffic, industries and use of fossil fuels.  

Researchers also found stress and exposure linked to social vulnerability (i.e. an inactive lifestyle) had an impact on immune and haemoglobin levels. A negative relationship was identified between social vulnerability and cardiovascular fitness.   

Results from the study suggested 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.  

In addition to working alongside Coventry University, academics worked with 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.  

Reflecting on the study and the results, Professor Alan Nevill, emeritus professor from the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “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 Michael Duncan, from the the Centre for Physical Activity, Sports and Exercise Sciences at Coventry University, said: “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.”  

Caroline Brand, from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, said: “Our findings underscore the significant impact of the environment on the cardiovascular health of children. We must prioritise public health initiatives to improve air quality and reduce social vulnerabilities. By doing so, we can enhance the overall health and well-being of children living in urban areas.” 

Read the report here.  

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