Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide and the pathological processes associated with their development in the early childhood. The objective of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular responses during and after the practice of video game interactive and television. The sample consisted of eight healthy children (9.8 ± 0.5 years, 30.1 ± 3.4 kg, 133.3 cm ± 13.6, 17.4 ± 4.7 kg/,). The study consisted of three sessions, where the 1st was FAM - for anthropometric measurement and procedures familiarization, and the other sessions, were performed in randomized order; DDR - Dance Dance Revolution: the volunteers realized 30 min in the beginner level; TV - 30 min watching a children's cartoon (Ben 10 and Sponge Bob). The heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were measured at rest and during the 10th, 20th and 30th minutes of activity and recovery in the 2nd 10th, 20th, 30th and 40th min. Statistical analysis was checked for normal distribution of data by Kolgomorov-Smirnov test, ANOVA, one-way MANOVA with post hoc Scheffé for comparison between sessions, ANOVA repeated measures, comparing the times of each session. The significance level was p ≤ 0.05 (ESTATÍSTICA 6.0). The results show a significant rise in HR, SBP and MAP during the DDR (30min: 110bpm, 116.3 and 89.6 mmHg) compared to the TV (30min: 86.7 bpm, 102 mmHg and 70.3mmHg). There was a downward trend in HR and SBP at 40 min of recovery after session DDR, as well as an upward trend in HR, SBP, DBP, and MAP after TV when compared to the rest, but these were not significant (p>0,05). We conclude that video game is an interesting alternative of active playing, which might bring cardiovascular benefits. If these BP values be maintained throughout the day during childhood, we may expect a better health during adulthood what, in turn, may be important for public health.
Children; Cardiovascular responses and video game active
