Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Profile and Physical Fitness Levels Among Secondary School Physical Education Teachers in Niger State, North Central Nigeria

Background: Physical education teachers are expected to model healthy lifestyle behaviours and possess adequate physical fitness to lead instructional activities. Paradoxically, this professional group may be vulnerable to cardiovascular risk due to sedentary administrative duties outside teaching hours, poor dietary habits, and workplace stress. Data from Niger State, North Central Nigeria, are absent from the literature. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, fasting lipid profile, and body mass index, alongside aerobic fitness capacity, among secondary school physical education teachers in Niger State. Methods: Sixty physical education teachers will be recruited from twelve secondary schools across three education districts. Blood pressure will be measured using a validated automatic device. Fasting venous blood will be drawn for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein analysis. Aerobic fitness will be assessed using the Chester step test. Multiple regression will model predictors of cardiovascular risk score. Expected Outcomes: A significant proportion of teachers are expected to demonstrate suboptimal aerobic fitness and at least one modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, despite their professional role in physical activity promotion. Conclusion: Findings will stimulate targeted health and fitness improvement interventions for physical educators in Nigeria. Keywords: cardiovascular risk, physical fitness, physical education teachers, Niger State, lipid profile.