Influence of activity patterns in fitness during youth

• Published in: International journal of sports medicine Vol. 33; no. 4; p. 325
• Main Authors: Aires, L, Silva, G, Martins, C, Santos, M P, Ribeiro, J C, Mota, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01.04.2012
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior - physiology; Body Mass Index; Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; Child; Exercise - physiology; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Physical Fitness - physiology; Portugal; Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; Schools; Sports - physiology; Portugal
• ISSN: 1439-3964
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1297955

The aim of this study was to analyze longitudinal associations between cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity and body mass index in a 4-year longitudinal study. 170 students (97 girls and 73 boys) aged at baseline from 11 to 17 years were followed. Students performed 20-m-SR; physical activity patterns and parents' education were evaluated using a standard questionnaire. Body mass index was categorized according to established cut points. In a multilevel analysis using MLwIN, 2 level structures were defined: first for individuals and second for time observations. In a longitudinal 2 level analysis, cardiorespiratory fitness was -negatively associated with body mass index for girls and boys, respectively (p<0.05; R2=0.63; 0.62), especially with obesity category (p<0.01; R2=0.58; 0.60). In girls, independent associations were observed between CRF and PA categories regarding participation "almost every day" in organized (p<0.05; R2=0.50) and non-organized sports outside school (p<0.05; R2=0.52) and participation in sports competitions (p<0.05; R2=0.51). In boys, associations were found only with participation in sports competitions (p<0.05; R2=0.50). The results highlight the importance of youth participation in organized activities and competitive sports over time to achieve health-related fitness benefits.