Association of physical activity metrics with indicators of cardiovascular function and control in children with and without type 1 diabetes

Objective Little is known about the role of physical activity accumulation in cardiovascular disease risk for children with type 1 diabetes. Improved insight to identify factors of influence in key health outcomes could be provided by considering the entire physical activity profile. Methods Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed cross‐sectionally in children with (n = 29, 12.1 ± 2.1 years) and without (n = 19, 12.1 ± 2.1 years) type 1 diabetes. Time spent sedentary and in each physical activity intensity, intensity gradient and average acceleration were derived from seven consecutive days of monitoring with wrist‐worn accelerometry. Comparison between groups and influence of physical activity accumulation on cardiovascular metrics were explored with linear mixed models. Results Diabetic children demonstrated a higher PWV and a greater volume of light physical activity (p