Effects of a physical education intervention on children's physical activity and fitness: the PROFIT pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Physical education classes are widely accepted as one of the most effective settings for promoting physical activity and health and have often been used to implement physical activity interventions. The aim of this pilot study was to test a physical education intervention program on physical activity levels and physical fitness in a sample of school-age children. METHODS: Participants were a convenience sample of 50 children (34 experimental group and 16 in the comparative group) aged between 6 and 11 years old (Mean = 8.28 years). A 21-week intervention was implemented, consisting of high-intensity and physical fitness-focused exercises, in addition to a once-a-month extra class nutritional education. The following variables were evaluated before and post-intervention: physical fitness, sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MVA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA). Propensity score analyses calculated the average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) within a quasi-experimental framework. RESULTS: Physical fitness variables showed improvements after the intervention, specifically for agility (ATET = -0.67 s; p < 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (ATET = 89.27 m; p = 0.045), lower limbs power (ATET = 4.47 centimeters; p = 0.025), and speed (ATET = -1.06 s; p < 0.001). For physical activity and SB levels, there were no improvements after intervention implementation. CONCLUSION: The intervention program showed preliminary effectiveness to improve physical fitness of children, but not SB nor physical activity.

Effects and prevalence of responders after a multicomponent intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity: Action for health study.

This study aimed to verify the effect of a multicomponent intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF), and to determine the prevalence of responders on CMRF among children and adolescents with overweight/obesity. This is a quasi-experimental study, developed with 35 children and adolescents with overweight/obesity (control group (CG) = 18; intervention group (IG) = 17), aged between 7 and 13 years. Participants in IG underwent a multicomponent intervention for 12 weeks. The following variables were evaluated: anthropometric measures, maturational stages and CMRF (body fatness, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, high-density and low-density lipoprotein) (HDL-C, LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and AST/ALT ratio. Mixed analysis of variance and the prevalence of responders were used for statistical analysis. There was a significant time x group interaction on body fatness (p < 0.001), HOMA-IR (p = 0.01), HDL-C (p < 0.001), LDL-C (p = 0.009) and TC (p < 0.001). The prevalence of responders for CMRF in IG and CG was respectively: body fatness (47%; 0%; p = 0.04), HOMA-IR (58.8%; 16.6%; p = 0.04); triglycerides (17.6%; 5.5%; p = 0.31); HDL-C (76.4%; 5.5%; p = 0.01), LDL-C (35.3%; 5%; p = 0.08), TC (64.7%; 5%; p = 0.01), AST (5.8%; 0%; p = 0.87), ALT (29.4%; 11.1%; p = 0.24) and AST/ALT ratio (24.4%; 22.2%; p = 0.67). Multicomponent intervention induced positive changes on CMRF along with a higher prevalence of positive adaptations in IG than the CG in some of the cardiometabolic outcomes assessed.

Relationship between insulin resistance and adipocytokines: the mediator role of adiposity in children.

Background: Leptin and adiponectin interact with each other in the modulation of obesity and insulin resistance (IR) and it is also important to consider the role of cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in these relationships.Aim: To analyse the relationship between IR with adipocytokines in children, and to test the mediation effect of %BF (percentage of body fat) in the association of IR with leptin, adiponectin, and L/A ratio.Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study comprised a sample of 150 schoolchildren, aged 6-11 years, from school in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The following variables were evaluated: cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF), percentage of body fat (%BF), and biochemical variables (leptin, adiponectin, glucose, and insulin).Results: IR was associated with leptin and L/A ratio, after adjustments for age, sex, sexual maturation, and CRF. When adjusted for age, sex, sexual maturation, and MF, an association was found between IR with leptin and L/A ratio. Moreover, %BF was a mediator in the association between IR and leptin, as well as IR and L/A ratio, explaining 54% and 57% of these associations, respectively.Conclusion: Leptin and L/A ratio are positively associated with IR after adjustments. Also, %BF is a mediator in the associations between IR and leptin and L/A ratio.

Comparison of three criteria for overweight and obesity classification in Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the nutritional status of adolescents using three criteria for nutritional status classification (Conde & Monteiro, International Obesity Task Force - IOTF and Word Health Organization - WHO), to analyze the correlation between these three criteria as for the overweight proportion, and to investigate whether factors associated with overweight and obesity differ among the three criteria. METHODS: Demographic (gender, age, geographic area) and anthropometric (body weight, height) variables were measured in 33.728 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years. The following criteria were investigated: IOTF (2000); Conde & Monteiro (2006); and WHO (2007). RESULTS: The overall overweight prevalence was 20.6% for the Conde & Monteiro criteria; 15.3% for the IOTF criteria and 20.1% for the WHO criteria. Both for boys and girls, the estimated overweight prevalence using the Conde & Monteiro and WHO criteria were higher than that using the IOTF criteria. Higher concordance was found between the Conde & Monteiro (2006) and WHO (2007) criteria for all age groups. Regarding associated factors, similar associations were found for the three criteria for higher BMI classification: being male, 11-12 and 13-14 years of age and living in the Midwestern, Southeastern and Southern regions of Brazil. CONCLUSION: The criteria for BMI classification estimate overweight prevalence in a different way, and the criteria proposed by Conde & Monteiro resulted in higher prevalence in both sexes. Higher concordance between the Conde & Monteiro and WHO criteria was found for all age groups. The groups most vulnerable to showing overweight and obesity for the three criteria for BMI classification were males, age 11-12 and 13-14 years, and living in the Midwestern, Southeastern and Southern regions of Brazil. Overweight and obesity are considered a public health problem prevalent among adolescents in Brazil, regardless of the criteria adopted.

Team sports, running, walking: activity-specific associations with perceived environmental factors in adolescents.

This study aimed to analyze the association between the practice of different types of physical activity (PA) with perceived environmental factors in boys and girls adolescents. Were evaluated 1,130 adolescents from Porto Alegre, Brazil. To evaluate different PA, students answered whether or not they practiced walking, running, team sports, and others general PA. Perceived environmental factors were assessed through Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth (NEWS-Y). Analyses were performed using logistic regression. Adolescents who reported perceiving a distance up to 20 minutes to walking/running track, had their chances of practicing all types of PA increased in the total sample and for girls. For walking, it was also found an association with access in adolescents. For girls, it was found an association between shortest distance to indoor recreation or exercise facility and other playing fields/court with running and team sports. Aesthetics and road safety were associated with team sports in adolescents. Other general PA were associated with park, bike/hiking/walking trails in the total sample and for girls. Therefore, for each type of PA, specific associations of perceived environmental factors were found.

Changes in children's self-perceived physical fitness: results from a Physical Education internet-based intervention in COVID-19 school lockdown.

Background: Children have a higher chance of decreasing health-related physical fitness during periods of school lockdown due to pandemic situations such as with COVID-19 disease. Aims: To establish the changes in children's self-perceived physical fitness (SPPF) during pandemic COVID-19 social distancing in a school lockdown and to describe the individual prevalence of changes in SPPF according to sex. Methods: It is an intervention study with a convenient sample, 67 children (6-13 years old; 50.7% girls). An intervention occurred according to the Brazilian Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) and the State Education Secretary orientations for remote Physical Education classes. SPPF was evaluated through a questionnaire (QAPA). Generalized estimative equations (GEE) and the prevalence of changes in individual score delta (Δ) from baseline to follow-up determined the effects. Results: Positive individual changes in SPPF were observed for 21.2% of girls and 26.4% of boys. Older children presented fewer SPPF total points. There was no interaction between the evaluation period, sex, and age. However, higher baseline SPPF values presented a negative association with the individual SPPF variation (ß = - 2.52%; CI 95% - 3.97 to - 1.07; p = 0.001). Conclusion: A remote Physical Education intervention effectively maintained or even increased individual results of children's SPPF. Thereby, this study suggests that this kind of initiative should be retained for the duration of social distancing and pandemic conditions to help children maintain an active lifestyle and, consequently, achieve health benefits. Improving intervention effectiveness by focusing on girls seems to be a challenge in this matter. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11332-022-00897-1.

Association between physical fitness components and fluid intelligence according to body mass index in schoolchildren.

Physical fitness is considered a protective factor for children's general health and has been related to enhanced cognitive functioning. However, it appears that cognition could be affected in children with overweight or obesity. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between physical fitness components and fluid intelligence in normal-weight and overweight/obese children. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 317 schoolchildren participated (165 boys, 52.05%), aged between six and 11 years old (1st to 5th grade), belonging to a public school in the south of Brazil. Psychologists evaluated fluid intelligence through the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrix Test. The physical fitness evaluation followed the procedures of the "Brazil Sports Project". Weight and height were measured to determine body mass index and generalized linear regression analyses were used with a 95% confidence interval. Our results showed that agility was inversely associated with fluid intelligence only in the overweight/obese group (ß = -1.506; p = 0.01). Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness were not associated with fluid intelligence. In conclusion, agility was the only physical fitness component related to fluid intelligence, and this relationship was found exclusively in overweight/obese schoolchildren.

Role of nutritional status and physical activity in the relationship between sleep quality and cardiometabolic profile of children.

OBJECTIVE: To verify if there is an association between sleep quality and cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) score of children and the role of nutritional status and physical activity (PA) levels in this relationship. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross- sectional study, with 83 schoolchildren, aged 6 and 11 years, from Porto Alegre, Brazil. PA was assessed with accelerometer and nutritional status through body mass index. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin were collected to calculate CMRF score. Parents' perception of their children's sleep was evaluated through a question. Generalized linear models were used. RESULTS: Poor sleep quality was positively associated with CMRF (ß=0.48; CI 95%=0.23;0.73) in relation to those with good sleep quality. A positive association was found in overweight children with poor sleep quality (ß=0.52; CI 95%=0.17;0.86), as well as in inactive children with poor sleep quality (ß=0.58; CI 95%=0.14;1.02) with CMRF. CONCLUSION: Poor sleep quality integrated with overweight and physical inactivity influences on CMRF of children.

Mediation role of residential density on the association between perceived environmental factors and active commuting to school in Brazilian adolescents.

The objective of this study was to verify whether residential density and connectivity between streets are mediators on the association between perceived environmental factors and active commuting to school (ACS) in Brazilian adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study with a random sample of 1,130 adolescents (52.7% girls) aged between 14 to 20 years, from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Adolescents' self-reported their usual mode of commuting to and from school using a questionnaire and the perceived environmental attributes by Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth (NEWS-Y). Residential density and connectivity between streets were measured by gographic information systems (GIS), within 1km road network buffers around the participant's residential address. Regression models were fitted according to mediation analyses procedures. The results showed that residential density is a mediator on the association between ACS and perceived environmental factors, including land-use mix diversity (IE = 0.114; 95%CI: 0.130, 0.311; 32% mediation), neighborhood recreation facilities (IE = 0.064; 95%CI: 0.034, 0.105; 15% mediation), and access to services (IE = 0.045; 95%CI: 0.006, 0.104; 14% mediation). Connectivity between streets did not correlate with ACS, thus it was not tested in the mediation model. In conclusion, residential density is a mediator on the relationship between perceived environmental factors and ACS.

Neighborhood environmental factors associated with leisure walking in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE To verify the associations of leisure walking with perceived and objective measures of neighborhood environmental factors stratified by gender and socioeconomic status (SES) in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS Cross-sectional study with a random sample of 1,130 high school students (47.3% girls; aged 14 to 20 years old) from Porto Alegre, Brazil. Leisure walking and SES were self-reported by the adolescents. Perceived environmental factors were assessed through Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth (NEWS-Y). Objective measures were evaluated using Geographic Information Systems, with road network calculated around the adolescent's residential address, using 0.5km and 1.0km buffers. Data collection was carried out in 2017 and generalized linear regression models were used. RESULTS Leisure walking was positively associated with access to services (0.5 km buffers [Odds ratio (OR) = 2.22] 1.0 km buffers [OR = 2.17]) and lower distance to parks and squares (0.5 km [OR=2.80] 1.0 km [OR = 2.73]) in girls from low SES. Residential density (0.5 km [OR = 1.57] 1.0 km [OR = 1.54]) and walkability index (0.5 km [OR = 1.17] 1.0 km [OR = 1.20]) were associated with leisure walking in girls from middle SES. Boys from low SES showed an inverse association between crime safety and leisure walking (0.5 km [OR = 0.59] 1.0 km [OR = 0.63]). Neighborhood recreation facilities was positively associated with leisure walking in middle SES (0.5 km [OR = 1.55] 1.0 km [OR = 1.60]). Land use mix (0.5 km [OR = 1.81] 1.0 km [OR = 1.81]), neighborhood recreation facilities (0.5 km [OR = 2.32] 1.0 km [OR = 2.28]) and places for walking (0.5 km [OR=2.07] 1.0 km [OR=2.22]) were positively associated with leisure walking in high SES. CONCLUSION Environmental factors (objectively and subjectively measured) and leisure walking show association in boys and girls of different SES.

Adherence to Southern European Atlantic Diet and physical fitness on the atherogenic index of plasma in adolescents.

We sought (i) to evaluate the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF) and Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEADiet) with atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and (ii) to investigate de combined association of MF, CRF and SEADiet on AIP in adolescents. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted on 493 adolescents (285 girls and 208 boys) aged 15-18 years, from the Portuguese Azorean Archipelago. CRF was measured by shuttle run test and MF by curl up and push up tests. Adherence to SEADiet was assessed with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The AIP was estimated as log (TG/HDL-C). Measures of pubertal stage and socioeconomic status were assessed. Linear regression showed a significant inverse association between MF (standardized ß = -0.165; p < 0.001), CRF (standardized ß = -0.081; p < 0.030) and SEADiet (standardized ß = -0.081; p < 0.045) with AIP, after adjustments for age, sex, pubertal stage and parental education. Furthermore, participants classified with an optimal as well as those with low adherence to a SEADiet but with LowMF/LowCRF had on average the highest AIP (F(7.482) = 3.270; p = 0.002). Moreover, optimal SEADiet with HighMF/HighCRF group showed the lowest AIP when compared with those with low adherence to a SEADiet with HighMF/HighCRF group (p = 0.03). AIP is inversely associated with MF, CRF and SEADiet. The low MF combined with a low CRF levels seems to overcome the potential healthy effect of having an optimal adherence to the SEADiet on AIP. However, an optimal adherence to SEADiet seems to improve the AIP in those adolescents with high fitness levels.

Relative age effect on muscle power in Brazilian youth: a population study / Efeito da idade relativa na potência muscular em jovens brasileiros: um estudo de população

Abstract This study aimed to examine the relative age effect on muscle power in a large sample of Brazilian children and adolescents. The sample consisted of 87,766 girls and boys aged 7-16 years, data collected in repeated cross-sectional surveillance carried out since 1999. The participants were grouped into four age subgroups within each chronological age based on birthdates. Upper and lower limbs muscle power were assessed using the 2-Kg medicine ball throw and horizontal jump tests, respectively. The normative distribution of physical fitness components was used for classification. The results showed a significant association between relative age and normative classification of muscle power. Among boys, there was a sequential increase in the frequency of individuals classified as "very good/excellent" as the relative age increased. A similar trend was observed among girls. The findings provided evidence of a relative age effect on muscle power in Brazilian children and adolescents. These findings have implications for the organization of structured physical activities and sports, as early-born individuals may have an advantage in performance. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential interventions to mitigate the relative age effect and promote equal opportunities for all youth in physical activities and sports.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo examinar o efeito da idade relativa na potência muscular em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros. A amostra foi composta por 87.766 meninas e meninos com idades entre 7 e 16 anos. Os participantes foram agrupados em quatro subgrupos etários dentro de cada idade cronológica tendo como base as datas de nascimento e da coleta dos dados. A potência muscular dos membros superiores e inferiores foi avaliada por meio dos testes de arremesso de medicine ball de 2 kg, e salto horizontal, respectivamente. A distribuição normativa (fraco; razoável; bom; muito bom; excelente) dos dois testes de potência foi utilizada para a classificação. Os resultados mostraram associação significativa entre os subgrupos etários e a classificação normativa da potência muscular. Entre os meninos, houve aumento na frequência de indivíduos classificados como "muito bom/excelente" à medida que a idade relativa aumentava. Uma tendência semelhante foi observada entre as meninas. Os achados forneceram evidências do efeito de idade relativa na potência muscular de crianças e adolescentes brasileiros. Esses resultados têm implicações práticas na organização de atividades físicas estruturadas e esportes em diferentes contextos, pois indivíduos nascidos mais cedo podem ter vantagem no desempenho em tarefas que exijam potência muscular. Mais pesquisas são necessárias para explorar os mecanismos subjacentes e intervenções que possam mitigar o efeito de idade relativa e promover oportunidades iguais para todas as crianças e adolescentes nas atividades físicas e esportes.

Related-factors of social support for students' physical activity in a network perspective / Fatores relacionados ao suporte social para atividade física de estudantes em uma perspectiva de rede

This study investigates the relationship between social support and moderate to vigorous physical activity, as well as the possible relationships between social support and socioeconomic status, gender and body mass index. Cross-sectional study with a non-randomized sample of 71 students (boys and girls) aged 7 to 12 and their parents or legal guardians. Social support and socioeconomic status were assessed using validated questionnaires. Height and body mass measurements were used for the body mass index equation. Moderate to vigorous physical activity was measured by accelerometers. The associations between all variables were tested by a network analysis. Moderate to vigorous physical activity is negatively correlated with socioeconomic status, body mass index and a question from the social support questionnaire: "How many times in the last week have you watched your child be physically active?". We observed a positive correlation between moderate to vigorous physical activity with gender and a question from the social support questionnaire: "How many times in the last week did you provide transport for your child's physical activity?". Thus, moderate to vigorous physical ac-tivity has a negative correlation with socioeconomic status, body mass index and the variable "parents sometimes observe their child to be physically active", and parents who provide transportation for the child to practice physical activity. In future, it is import to consider the network analysis in the intervention studies to promote adolescents' physical activity

Este estudo investiga a relação entre suporte social e atividade física moderada-vigorosa, bem como as possíveis relações entre suporte social e nível socioeconômico, gênero e índice de massa corporal. Estudo transversal com amostra não randomizada de 71 escolares (meninos e meninas) de 7 a 12 anos e seus pais ou responsáveis. Apoio social e nível socioeconômico foram avaliados por meio de questionários validados. Medidas de altura e massa corporal foram usadas para a equação do índice de massa corporal. Atividade física moderada-vigorosa foi medida por acelerômetros. As associações entre todas as variáveis foram testadas por uma análise de rede. A atividade física moderada a vigorosa está negativamente correlacionada com o nível socioeconômico, índice de massa corporal e uma questão do questionário de apoio social: "Quantas vezes na última semana você observou seu filho ser fisicamente ativo?". Observou-se correlação positiva entre atividade física moderada-vigorosa com o gênero e uma questão do questionário de apoio social: "Quantas vezes na última semana você forneceu transporte para a atividade física de seu filho?". Assim, a atividade física moderada-vigorosa tem correlação negativa com o nível socioeconômico, índice de massa corporal e a variável "os pais às vezes observam que seu filho é fisicamente ativo, e pais que fornecem transporte para a criança praticar atividade física. No futuro, é importante considerar a análise de rede nos estudos de intervenção para promover a atividade física em adolescentes

Obesity anthropometric indicators associated with cardiometabolic risk in Portuguese children and adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between cardiometabolic risk with body mass index and skinfold independently or in combination in youth. This cross-sectional study comprised a convenience sample of 450 children and adolescents (255 girls), aged 10 to 18 years old. Indicators of body composition were measured, and hemodynamic assessment completed. The association between body mass index and/or sum of skinfolds and cardiometabolic risk (z score of the sum of triglycerides/high density lipoprotein cholesterol, waist circumference, and mean blood pressure), was calculated using Generalized Linear Models Regression. The results showed that youngsters classified as overweight or obese with the highest skinfold measurements had the strongest association with cardiometabolic risk (< beta >: 2.60; IC 95%: 2.25-3.0) when compared with those exhibiting normal skinfold thickness (< beta >: 1.78; IC 95%: 1.30-2.20). Body mass index was most strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk (< beta >: 1.78; IC 95%: 1.3-2.2), in comparison to skinfold thickness, which was associated to a lesser extent (< beta >: 0.41; IC 95%: 0.34-0.49). Results of this cross-sectional study indicate that body mass index is more strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk than skinfold thickness. However when these two measures of overweight/obesity are combined, prediction of cardiometabolic risk is further improved. It is therefore important that public health professionals consider both body mass index and sum of skinfolds to better predict cardiometabolic risk in overweight and obese youth. Implications for future research include the use of longitudinal designs and inclusion of children from other racial/ethnic groups.

Efeitos de dois programas de educação física na aptidão física relacionada à saúde de crianças de acordo com sexo / Effects of two physical education programs on children's health-related physical fitness according to sex

RESUMO Este estudo quase-experimental avaliou os efeitos de dois programas de exercício físico, ofertado no contexto das aulas de Educação Física escolar, sobre indicadores de aptidão física. A amostra por conveniência foi composta por 91 alunos com idades entre 9-12 anos que formaram os grupos Formação Corporal (PFC; 45 alunos) e Educação Física (PEF; 45 alunos). Foi mensurado o índice de massa corporal (IMC), aptidão cardiorrespiratória (ApC), flexibilidade e força muscular localizada (FML). Recorreu-se ao "Teste t pareado" e ANOVA de medidas repetidas. O tamanho do efeito foi estimado pelo "eta ao quadrado parcial", estratificado por sexo, sendo aceito a probabilidade de 5% de erro. Os resultados mostraram nos meninos efeito muito elevado no grupo PFC na ApC, flexibilidade e FML e efeito elevado no grupo PEF na flexibilidade e FML. Nas meninas efeito muito elevado no grupo PFC na ApC, flexibilidade e FML e no grupo PEF efeito muito elevado na flexibilidade e FML e de efeito elevado na ApC. Não houve efeito no IMC em ambos os grupos. Ressaltamos que este único encontro semanal (15 minutos de PFC) foi capaz de apresentar efeito muito elevado e elevado na aptidão física a favor do PFC em ambos os sexos.

ABSTRACT This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effects of two physical exercise programs offered in the context of physical education classes on physical fitness indicators. The convenience sample consisted of 91 students aged 9-12 years who formed the group's Body Training (GBT; 45 students) and Physical Education (PE; 45 students). Body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), flexibility, and abdominal muscle strength (LMS) were measured. The "Paired t-test" and repeated measures ANOVA were used. The size of the effect was estimated by the "partial squared eta", stratified by sex, with a 5% probability of an error being accepted. The results showed in boys a very high effect in the PFC group on CRF, flexibility, and FML and a high effect in the PEF group on flexibility and FML. In girls, a very high effect in the GBT group on CRF, flexibility, and FML, and the PE group greatly affected flexibility and FML and had a high effect on CRF. There was no effect on BMI in either group. We emphasize that this single weekly meeting (15 minutes of GBT) was able to have a very high and high effect on fitness in favor of the GBT in both genders.

Team sports, running, walking: activity-specific associations with perceived environmental factors in adolescents / Esportes coletivos, corrida, caminhada: associações específicas de atividades com fatores ambientais percebidos em adolescentes

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the association between the practice of different types of physical activity (PA) with perceived environmental factors in boys and girls adolescents. Were evaluated 1,130 adolescents from Porto Alegre, Brazil. To evaluate different PA, students answered whether or not they practiced walking, running, team sports, and others general PA. Perceived environmental factors were assessed through Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth (NEWS-Y). Analyses were performed using logistic regression. Adolescents who reported perceiving a distance up to 20 minutes to walking/running track, had their chances of practicing all types of PA increased in the total sample and for girls. For walking, it was also found an association with access in adolescents. For girls, it was found an association between shortest distance to indoor recreation or exercise facility and other playing fields/court with running and team sports. Aesthetics and road safety were associated with team sports in adolescents. Other general PA were associated with park, bike/hiking/walking trails in the total sample and for girls. Therefore, for each type of PA, specific associations of perceived environmental factors were found.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a associação entre a prática de diferentes tipos de atividade física (AF) com fatores ambientais percebidos em meninos e meninas adolescentes. Foram avaliados 1.130 adolescentes de Porto Alegre, Brasil. Para avaliar diferentes AF, os alunos responderam se praticavam ou não caminhada, corrida, esportes coletivos e outras AF em geral. Fatores ambientais percebidos foram avaliados pelo Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth. As análises foram realizadas por meio de regressão logística. Adolescentes que relataram perceber uma distância de até 20 minutos para pista de caminhada/corrida tiveram suas chances de praticar todos os tipos de AF aumentadas na amostra total e para as meninas. Para caminhada, também foi encontrada associação com o acesso em adolescentes. Para as meninas, foi encontrada uma associação entre a menor distância para instalações de exercícios e outros campos de jogos/quadra com corrida e esportes coletivos. A estética e a segurança de ruas foram associadas com esportes coletivos em adolescentes. Outras AF gerais foram associadas com parque e trilhas de bicicleta/caminhada na amostra total e para meninas. Portanto, para cada tipo de AF, foram encontradas associações específicas de fatores ambientais percebidos.

Relaciones entre actividad física y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en niños y adolescentes durante la distancia social COVID-19 / Relações entre a atividade física e a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em crianças e adolescentes durante o distanciamento social COVID-19 / Relationship between physical activity and health-related quality of life in children and adolescents during COVID-19 social distancing

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar la relación entre la actividad física (AF) y los dominios de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (QVRS) en niños y jóvenes durante la distancia social COVID-19. Se aplicó un estudio transversal y analítico con enfoque cuantitativo en una muestra de 119 niñas y 121 niños. Se aplicaron cuestionarios y métodos estadísticos. La correlación entre AF y HQOL fue más fuerte en los niños (46,9%) que en las niñas (14,5%), lo que puede explicarse porque existe una relación considerable y más fuerte entre la edad y el grado escolar con HQOL en las niñas. En conclusión, la actividad física se asoció con la QVRS de los niños y adolescentes durante la distancia social COVID-19. Estos hallazgos muestran la importancia de que esta población se mantenga físicamente activa para que los parámetros de salud no se vean afectados durante este período. (AU)

This study aimed to verify the relationship between physical activity with health-related quality (HQOL) of life domains in children and adolescents during COVID-19 social distancing. A Cross-sectional and analytical study with a quantitative approach in a sample of 119 girls and 121 boys aged between 6 to 14 years old. The moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) practice was measured by days a week and HQOL was obtained with Kidscreen-27. We applied descriptive statistics, z-scores conversions, linear correlations, regression graphs, and generalized linear models for each sex with adjustment by age and school grade. The linear correlation between MVPA and HQOL was stronger in boys (46,9%) than girls (14,5%), which may be explained because there is a considerable and stronger relationship between age, and the school grade with HQOL in girls. In another way, in boys only MVPA was associated with total HQOL, one day of MVPA represented an association with 2.36 points of HQOL, without the significant impact of age and school grade, being the double of power relationship than girls (1.16). In conclusion, physical activity was associated with the quality of life of children and adolescents during social distance due to the COVID-19. These findings show the importance of this population to remain physically active so that health parameters are not affected during this period. (AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a relação da atividade física (AF) com domínios da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) em crianças e jovens durante o distanciamento social COVID-19. Foi aplicado um estudo transversal e analítico com abordagem quantitativa em uma amostra de 119 meninas e 121 meninos. Questionários e métodos estatísticos foram aplicados. A correlação entre AF e QVRS foi mais forte nos meninos (46,9%) do que nas meninas (14,5%). Isso foi explicado porque há uma relação considerável e mais forte entre idade e ano escolar com QVRS em meninas. Em conclusão, a atividade física se associou à qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes durante o distanciamento social COVID-19. Esses achados mostram a importância dessa população se manter fisicamente ativa para que os parâmetros de saúde não sejam afetados nesse período. (AU)

Prevalence of responders of a school intervention at physical fitness and mental health of children: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract Aim: to verify the effect of a physical education program at school on physical fitness and mental health in children and to determine the individual prevalence of responders. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study, developed with 67 children aged between 6 and 11 years old. (8.09 ± 1.81). A 21-week intervention was performed, that intervention condition (IC) consisted of sports and circuit training, and nutritional education. For the control condition (CC) classes followed to the Common Curricular National Base. The following variables were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention: physical fitness and mental health through the strength and difficulties questionnaire. Mixed analysis of variance and the prevalence of responders were used for statistical analysis. Results: The main results indicate that there were improvements in the IC in the components of physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, speed, and agility) and mental health indicators (total difficulties, emotional symptoms, problems with peers, and prosocial behavior) after a school physical education program in comparison with the CC. Concerning the prevalence of responders between groups, it was found differences in cardiorespiratory fitness (CC: 33.33%; IC: 65.38%), agility (CC: 36.66%; IC: 73.07%), speed (CC: 43.33%; IC: 79.16%), emotional symptoms (CC: 28.57%; IC: 50.00%), and prosocial behavior (CC: 17.14%; IC: 46.87%). Conclusion: It is reinforced that well-planned physical education classes and simple intervention programs can be adopted at the school level and are capable of promoting children's physical and mental health.

Reflections on the career of Brazilian Paralympic athletes. / Reflexões sobre a carreira do atleta paraolímpico brasileiro.

The proximity of the Paralympic Games Rio 2016 opens the discussion about the possibility of building a career in Paralympic sport. This study aims to present the characteristics and challenges present in the sporting career of the Brazilian Paralympic athlete. The study was structured under three main guiding topics: the different moments of Paralympic Sport, the career characteristics of paralympians and the consequences of sports results for their careers. Currently, Paralympic sports has its focus on high performance, as the constant necessity for good results is an ever present reality. The characteristics and challenges of sporting careers reveal the current situation for Brazilian Paralympic sports in all of its stages (pre-transition, transition and post-transition). Upon reflecting on the career of the Brazilian paralympic athlete a debate opens up concerning future perspectives and particularly on an understanding of the existing challenges for consolidation. Structural problems such as venues for training, lack of awareness on the part of the private sector and the non-renewal of human resources, seem to be the main obstacles for the consolidation of paralympic careers in Brazil.

Teste de força prancha em crianças: reprodutibilidade, confiabilidade e relação com o teste sit-up / Plank strength test in children: reproducibility, reliability and relationship with the sit-up test

: Os objetivos deste estudo são verificar a reprodutibilidade e confiabilidade do teste "Prancha" em escolares de 6 a 12 anos; e identificar a associação entre a medida de força isométrica no teste prancha com força/resistência abdominal no teste sit-up. Tratase de um estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 221 escolares, 58,8% do sexo masculino, selecionados por conveniência em uma escola do Sul de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Avaliou-se a força isométrica abdominal por meio do teste prancha, adaptado de Mckenzie. O Teste sit-up foi avaliado seguindo o protocolo do PROESP-BR. Mensurou-se a reprodutibilidade e confiabilidade com teste de correlação intraclasse (CI) e gráfico de Bland e Altman. A correlação da força no teste prancha com o teste abdominais sit-up foi mensurada de acordo com o coeficiente de determinação (R2), Alfa de Cronbach e estimativa de Ômega de McDonald. A CI entre medidas do teste prancha apresentou concordância elevada (>0,70; p=0,001). Houve moderada relação entre teste, re-teste, prancha com o número de abdominais sit-up em um minuto (R2=0,43 masculino; R2=0,33 feminino). Os alfas de Cronbach e Ômega de McDonald foram elevados entre as três medidas (>0,80). Conclui-se que o teste prancha isométrica apresenta um elevado nível de reprodutibilidade, confiabilidade e elevada relação com a força abdominal sit-up. O teste prancha pôde ser utilizado como medida alternativa para a força isométrica abdominal nos escolares do presente estudo.(AU)

The objectives of this study are to verify the reproducibility and reliability of the "Plank" test in schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years and to identify the association between isometric strength measurement in the plank test and abdominal resistance strength in the sit-up test. That is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, performed with 221 students, 58.8% of the male gender, selected by convenience at a school in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil. Abdominal isometric strength was assessed by the plank test, it adapted from the Mckenzie. The sit-up test was evaluated following the PROESP-BR protocol. Reproducibility and reliability were measured with intraclass correlation test (IC) and Bland and Altmann graph. The correlation of the strength in the plank test with the sit-up abdominal test was measured according to the determination coefficient (R2), Cronbach's Alpha and McDonald Omega estimate. The IC between plank test measurements showed high agreement (> 0.70; p = 0.001). There was a moderate relationship between test, retest plank with the number of sit-ups in one minute (R2 = 0.43 male; R2 = 0.33 female). The Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's Omega are elevated between the three measures (> 0.80). It concluded that the proposed isometric plank test presents a high level of reproducibility, reliability, and a high relationship with sit-up abdominal strength. It indicates that Plank can be used as an alternative measure for isometric abdominal strength in schoolchildren of present study.(AU)