Objective: To compare physical activity measurements and their relationship with blood pressure (BP) between college men and women.
Methods: Data were collected from 2015-20 through the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing cross-sectional study. Participants’ (n=1908) average BP, self-reported activity (vigorous, moderate, and strength training), daily steps (DigiWalker SW200,400), calculated VO¬2, measured sit-and-reach, and max pushups were collected. BP (mmHg) was categorized according to AHA criteria: Normal (<120/<80), Elevated (120-129/>80), and HTN Stages 1-2 (>130/>80). Differences were evaluated via ANCOVA in systolic and diastolic BP; students were grouped according to meeting recommendations for vigorous activity, moderate activity, daily steps, and strength training activity.
Results: Participants were mostly white, (89.8%), female (65%), and an average age of 19±1.1 years. Vigorous, moderate, and strength training recommendations were met by 91%, 80.9%, and 80.9% of males, and 84.9%, 78.1%, and 73.4% of females, respectively. More males had HTN than females (36% vs. 14.7%, p<.001); less males vs. females had normal BP (31.6% vs. 76.1%, p<.001). Assessment means for males and females, respectively, were: sit-and-reach (23.1±8.5cm & 29.1±7.9cm), pushups (32±14 & 20±13), steps (9340±3804 & 9940±3954), and VO2 max (46.3±4.5 & 39.1±4.3). Diastolic BP was lower in those that met recommendations for strength activity in men and women (all p<.05), women who met vigorous activity recommendations (p<.05). Diastolic BP was higher in men who met daily step recommendations (p<.05).
Conclusion: Many students, especially males, had elevated BP and/or HTN. Increased activity levels were linked to lower diastolic BP. Education related to lifestyle behavior changes to improve BP may be important for young adults and their long-term health.
Funding sources: The NH Agriculture Experiment Station & USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1010738.
