Levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), that can be increased by regular exercise, correlate with vascular function. In the context of primary prevention, the impact of regular physical activity on the amount and function of EPC has not yet been investigated in school children.
Methods
Four sixth grade classes of high school students (n = 92) were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (IG) with daily physical exercise (45 min) at school or to the control group (CG) with conventional physical education (PE) (2h/week). In addition, one sixth grade class at a high school focused on competitive sports (PE) served as a reference group. After 1 school year, exercise capacity and the amount and function of EPCs were evaluated.
Results
After 1 year, a significantly higher Vo2max was evident in the intervention group. Nevertheless, exercise capacity did not reach the level of children from PE. In addition, exercise intervention was successful in increasing the amount of EPCs but failed to increase the migratory capacity of the cells.
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