The question:

What is the effect of physical activity in general and enhanced movement education on heart and carotid artery structure and function?

The earliest stages of cardiovascular problems have been measured in childhood. Arterial "stiffness" is a marker of arterial damage which precedes plaque formation. The presence of arterial wall dysfunction has been reported in 9-11 year old children, even in mild obesity. Recent work has demonstrated that relatively short exercise programs in late primary school-aged children can reverse early signs of endothelial (inside arterial wall) dysfunction and aortic stiffness which in itself points to the importance of physical activity's role in maintaining health of the cardiovascular system, even in young children. Whilst dietary adjustments and losing weight were factors associated with improving blood vessel function, exercise was found to accelerate the improvements.

To date the relative contributions of physical inactivity, dietary inadequacies, and obesity in the early stages of development of cardiovascular disease (and Type 2 diabetes) are unknown.

Moreover the effect of a long-term, preventive approach in children of primary school age through enhanced physical education has not been investigated.

We will measure echocardiographic images of the heart at various stages of the heart beat cycle. We will also measure the flow-rate of blood through major arteries and so estimate the relative "stiffness" of the artery wall.