Research Translation to Promote Urban Health in Latin America: The SALURBAL Experience.

In highly urbanized and unequal Latin America, urban health and health equity research are essential to effective policymaking. To ensure the application of relevant and context-specific evidence to efforts to reduce urban health inequities, urban health research in Latin America must incorporate strategic research translation efforts. Beginning in 2017, the Urban Health in Latin America (SALURBAL) project implemented policy-relevant research and engaged policymakers and the public to support the translation of research findings. Over 6 years, more than 200 researchers across eight countries contributed to SALURBAL's interdisciplinary network. This network allowed SALURBAL to adapt research and engagement activities to local contexts and priorities, thereby maximizing the policy relevance of research findings and their application to promote policy action, inform urban interventions, and drive societal change. SALURBAL achieved significant visibility and credibility among academic and nonacademic urban health stakeholders, resulting in the development of evidence and tools to support urban policymakers, planners, and policy development processes across the region. These efforts and their outcomes reveal important lessons regarding maintaining flexibility and accounting for local context in research, ensuring that resources are dedicated to policy engagement and dissemination activities, and recognizing that assessing policy impact requires a nuanced understanding of complex policymaking processes. These reflections are relevant for promoting urban health and health equity research translation across the global south and worldwide. This paper presents SALURBAL's strategy for dissemination and policy translation, highlights innovative initiatives and their outcomes, discusses lessons learned, and shares recommendations for future efforts to promote effective translation of research findings.

Associations of the 'weekend warrior' physical activity pattern with all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality: the Mexico City Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to investigate the benefits of the 'weekend warrior' physical activity pattern in Latin America, where many people take part in high levels of non-exercise physical activity. METHODS: Participants in the Mexico City Prospective Study were surveyed from 1998 to 2004 and resurveyed from 2015 to 2019. Those who exercised up to once or twice per week were termed weekend warriors. Those who exercised more often were termed regularly active. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: The main analysis included 26 006 deaths in 154 882 adults (67% female) aged 52±13 years followed for 18±4 years (mean±SD). Compared with those who reported no exercise, the HR (95% CI) was 0.88 (0.83 to 0.93) in the weekend warriors and 0.88 (0.84 to 0.91) in the regularly active. Similar results were observed for cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality, but associations were weaker. Stratified analyses showed that substantial reductions in all-cause mortality risk only occurred when the duration of exercise sessions was at least 30-60 min. The repeated-measures analysis included 843 deaths in 10 023 adults followed for 20±2 years. Compared with being inactive or becoming inactive, the HR was 0.86 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.12) when being a weekend warrior or becoming a weekend warrior and 0.85 (95% CI 0.70 to 1.03) when being regularly active or becoming regularly active. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective study to investigate the benefits of the weekend warrior physical activity pattern in Latin America. The results suggest that even busy adults could benefit from taking part in one or two sessions of exercise per week.

On the stability of norms and norm-following propensity: a cross-cultural panel study with adolescents.

Norm-based accounts of social behavior in economics typically reflect tradeoffs between maximization of own consumption utility and conformity to social norms. Theories of norm-following tend to assume that there exists a single, stable, commonly known injunctive social norm for a given choice setting and that each person has a stable propensity to follow social norms. We collect panel data on 1468 participants aged 11-15 years in Belfast, Northern Ireland and Bogotá, Colombia in which we measure norms for the dictator game and norm-following propensity twice at 10 weeks apart. We test these basic assumptions and find that norm-following propensity is stable, on average, but reported norms show evidence of change. We find that individual-level variation in reported norms between people and within people across time has interpretable structure using a series of latent transition analyses (LTA) which extend latent class models to a panel setting. The best fitting model includes five latent classes corresponding to five sets of normative beliefs that can be interpreted in terms of what respondents view as "appropriate" (e.g. equality vs. generosity) and how they view deviations (e.g. deontological vs. consequentialist). We also show that a major predictor of changing latent classes over time comes from dissimilarity to others in one's network. Our application of LTA demonstrates how researchers can engage with heterogeneity in normative perceptions by identifying latent classes of beliefs and deepening understanding of the extent to which norms are shared, stable, and can be predicted to change. Finally, we contribute to the nascent experimental literature on the economic behavior of children and adolescents. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10683-024-09821-5.

Adolescent Social Networks and Physical Intimate Partner Violence Among Colombian Rural Adolescents.

The current study analyzes individual and social network correlates of adolescent engagement in physical intimate partner violence (IPV) utilizing socio-centric data from a high-school population of 242 adolescents from rural Colombia. We studied self-reported victimization and perpetration for boys and girls. First, we used logistic regression to explore the relationship between adolescents' IPV engagement and school peers' IPV engagement, school violence victimization, and social network position, controlling for gender and age (N=111). Second, we used social network statistical methods to investigate if there were more friendships of similar IPV status to the adolescent than expected by chance in their social networks. Our results show that the proportion of friends perpetrating physical IPV increased the probability of adolescents' IPV perpetration. Contrarywise, the proportion of friends experiencing IPV victimization decreased with the adolescent's own victimization. Being a victim (a status significantly more common among boys) was also associated with reporting perpetration for both genders. Furthermore, our results contradicted the social network literature, as we found no preferential ties among perpetrators/victims (e.g., adolescents do not seem to befriend each other by IPV engagement). Our study is unique to the global adolescent IPV literature given the scarcity of research examining physical IPV among adolescents in the context of both girls and boys in the context of their school networks. We also add to the understanding of IPV in the case of the global majority of adolescents with the highest rates of IPV victimization (living in Low and Middle-Income Countries).

Prevalencia y factores asociados con la práctica de actividad física en mujeres gestantes adultas en Colombia / Prevalence of the practice of physical activity and its associated factors in adult Colombian pregnant women

Introducción. La actividad física durante el embarazo puede ser útil para la prevención de complicaciones gestacionales. Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia de actividad física en mujeres gestantes adultas en Colombia y evaluar los factores asociados con su práctica. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un análisis secundario de la información recolectada en la Encuesta Nacional de Situación Nutricional en Colombia del 2015. La muestra incluyó 906 mujeres gestantes. La actividad física en los dominios de tiempo libre, transporte y global se evaluó con la versión larga del International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Los factores asociados se evaluaron mediante modelos de regresión binomial negativa. Resultados. La prevalencia del cumplimiento de las recomendaciones de actividad física en las participantes fue de 12,57 % (IC95% 8,41-18,38), 28,66 % (IC95% 23,29-34,70) y 36,33 % (IC95% 30,92-42,11) en los dominios de tiempo libre, transporte y global, respectivamente. Los factores asociados con el dominio de tiempo libre fueron: residir en Bogotá (razón de prevalencia, RP=2,41; IC95% 1,16-4,99), encontrarse en el tercer trimestre de la gestación (RP=2,13; IC95% 1,17-3,87), disponer de programas de actividad física dirigida (RP=1,75; IC95% 1,07-2,87), nivel educativo de secundaria (RP=0,51; IC95% 0,29-0,91), y pertenecer a los cuartiles de riqueza dos (RP=0,45; IC95% 0,24-0,81), tres y cuatro (RP=0,43; IC95% 0,23-0,80). Los factores asociados con el transporte fueron: tener, por lo menos, un hijo (RP=1,60; IC95% 1,14-2,24), residir en Bogotá (RP=1,84; IC95% 1,23-2,73), convivir con compañero sentimental (RP=0,66: IC95% 0,49-0,89) y haber asistido a entre uno y cuatro controles prenatales (RP=0,53; IC95% 0,37-0,76). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de la actividad física en mujeres gestantes colombianas es preocupantemente baja. Se requiere la implementación de programas y proyectos orientados a la promoción de la actividad física durante el embarazo.

Introduction: Physical activity during pregnancy can be useful in the prevention of gestational complications. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of physical activity in adult Colombian pregnant women and its associated factors. Materials and methods: A secondary analysis of data from the 2015 National Nutrition Survey in Colombia was conducted. The total sample included 906 pregnant women. Leisure-time, commuting, and global physical activity were measured with the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Factors associated with PA were evaluated through negative binomial regression models. Results: The prevalence of physical activity in pregnant women was 12.57% (95% CI=8.41- 18.38), 28.66% (95% CI=23.29-34.70), and 36.33% (95% CI=30.92-42.11) in the leisuretime, commuting and global domains, respectively. Factors associated with leisure-time physical activity were living in Bogotá (prevalence ratio, PR=2.41; 95% CI=1.16-4.99), being in the third gestational trimester (PR=2.13; 95% CI=1.17-3.87), obtaining access to physical activity programs (PR=1.75; 95% CI=1.07-2.87), having a high school education (PR=0.51; 95% CI=0.29-0.91), and being in the second (PR=0.45; 95% CI=0.24-0.81), third and fourth quartiles of wealth (PR=0.43; 95% CI=0.23-0.80). Factors associated with physical activity while commuting were having at least one child (PR=1.60; 95% CI=1.14-2.24), living in Bogotá (PR=1.84; 95% CI=1.23-2.73), living with a partner (PR=0.66; 95% CI=0.49-0.89), and completing between one and four prenatal care sessions (PR=0.53; 95% CI=0.37-0.76). Conclusions: The prevalence of physical activity in pregnant Colombian women is worryingly low. Programs and projects aimed at promoting physical activity during pregnancy are needed.

Effects of a strategy for the promotion of physical activity in students from Bogotá / Efectos de una estrategia de promoción de actividad física en escolares de Bogotá

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of the promotion of physical activity during recess on the levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and adiposity of Colombian students. METHODS Three schools were randomly selected by an intervention group in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2013: Intervention (Active Module of Active Recess - MARA) + Text Messages (SMS) (MARA+SMS group), intervention (MARA group), control (control group). Intervention was implemented for ten weeks. The duration and intensity of physical activity and sedentary behaviors were measured objectively using accelerometers Actigraph-GT3X+. Adiposity was measured by body mass index and fat percentage. We measured at baseline (T0) and during the tenth week of intervention (T1). We evaluated the effect of the intervention using a difference-in-difference analysis (DID). RESULTS We included 120 students (57.5% girls; mean age = 10.5 years; standard deviation [SD] = 0.64). There was a significant increase in the mean daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity in the MARA group (Difference T1-T0 = 6.1 minutes, standard error [SE] = 3.49, p = 0.005) in relation to the control group. There were no significant changes in the minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity in the MARA+SMS group (Difference T1-T0 = -1.0 minute; SE = 3.06; p = 0.363). The minutes decreased in the control group (Difference T1-T0 = -7.7 minutes; SE = 3.15; p = 0.011). The minutes of sedentary behaviors decreased in the MARA and MARA+SMS groups and increased in the control group (MARA Difference T1-T0 = -15.8 minutes; SE = 10.05; p= 0.279; MARA+SMS Difference T1-T0 = -11.5 minutes; SE = 8.80; p= 0.869; Control Difference T1-T0 = 10.9 minutes; SE = 9.07; p = 0.407). There was a higher participation in the MARA group in relation to the MARA+SMS group (MARA group = 34.4%; MARA+SMS group = 12.1%). There were no significant changes in adiposity at 10 weeks according to difference-in-differences analysis (body mass index p: ΔMARA+SMS group versus Δcontrol group = 0.945, ΔMARA group versus Δcontrol group = 0.847, ΔMARA+SMS group versus ΔMARA group = 0.990; FP p ΔMARA+SMS group versus Δcontrol group = 0.788, ΔMARA group versus Δcontrol group = 0.915, ΔMARA+SMS group versus ΔMARA group = 0.975). CONCLUSIONS The Active Module of Active Recess is a promising strategy to increase physical activity levels and decrease sedentary behavior in students. The addition of Text Messages was not associated with increased moderate to vigorous physical activity or changes in adiposity.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Examinar el efecto de una intervención de promoción de actividad física durante el recreo en los niveles de actividad física, comportamientos sedentarios y adiposidad de los escolares de Colombia. MÉTODOS Tres colegios fueron asignados aleatoriamente a un grupo de intervención en Bogotá, Colombia en el 2013: Intervención (Módulo Activo Recreo Activo - MARA)+Mensajes de Texto (SMS) (grupo MARA+SMS), intervención (grupo MARA), control (grupo de control). La intervención se implementó durante 10 semanas. La duración e intensidad de actividad física y comportamientos sedentarios se midieron objetivamente usando acelerómetros Actigraph-GT3X+. La adiposidad se midió mediante índice de masa corporal y porcentaje de grasa. Se realizaron mediciones en línea de base (T0) y durante la décima semana de intervención (T1). El efecto de la intervención se evaluó utilizando un análisis de diferencia-en-diferencias (ADD). RESULTADOS Fueron incluidos 120 escolares (57,5% niñas; edad promedio = 10,5 años; desviación estándar [DE] = 0,64). Hubo un aumento significativo en el promedio diario de minutos de actividad física moderada-vigorosa en el grupo MARA (Diferencia T1-T0 = 6,1 minutos; error estándar [EE] = 3,49; p = 0,005) con respecto al grupo de control. No se observaron cambios significativos en los minutos de actividad física moderada-vigorosa en el grupo MARA+SMS (Diferencia T1-T0 = -1,0 minuto; EE = 3,06; p = 0,363). En el grupo de control los minutos disminuyeron (Diferencia T1-T0 = -7,7 minutos; EE = 3,15; p = 0,011). Los minutos de comportamientos sedentarios disminuyeron en los grupos MARA y MARA+SMS y aumentaron en el grupo de control (MARA Diferencia T1-T0 = -15,8 minutos; EE = 10,05; p = 0,279; MARA+SMS Diferencia T1-T0 =-11,5 minutos; EE = 8,80; p = 0,869; Control Diferencia T1-T0 = 10,9 minutos; EE = 9,07; p = 0,407). Se registró mayor participación en el grupo MARA respecto al grupo MARA+SMS (grupo MARA = 34,4%; grupo MARA+SMS = 12,1%). No hubo cambios significativos en adiposidad en las diez semanas según análisis de diferencia-en-diferencias (índice de masa corporal p: Δgrupo MARA+SMS versus Δgrupo de control = 0,945, Δgrupo MARA versus Δgrupo control = 0,847, Δgrupo MARA+SMS versus Δgrupo MARA = 0,990; PG p Δgrupo MARA+SMS versus Δgrupo control = 0,788, Δgrupo MARA versus Δgrupo control = 0,915, Δgrupo MARA+SMS versus Δgrupo MARA = 0,975). CONCLUSIONES El Módulo Activo Recreo Activo es una estrategia prometedora para incrementar los niveles de actividad física y disminuir comportamientos sedentarios en escolares. Adicionar Mensajes de Texto no se asoció con incremento de actividad física moderada-vigorosa o en cambios en adiposidad.

Quality of public urban parks for physical activity practice in Bucaramanga, Colombia / Qualidade dos parques públicos urbanos para a prática de atividades físicas em Bucaramanga, Colômbia

Abstract The characteristics of parks (availability, accessibility, conservation, quality, safety, etc.) are important predictors of their use for physical activity practices. The aim of this study was to verify the association among the socioeconomic level of neighborhoods, the characteristics and quality of urban public parks for physical activity in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Cross-sectional study, conducted in 2015, in which 10 parks with structures for physical activity were evaluated. The socioeconomic level of the district was evaluated based on the neighborhoods around the parks and classified in "low" and "high". The number of residents in the surrounding area of parks were evaluated with Geographic Information System (GIS), site characteristics and quality with the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) and the Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA), respectively. The association was analyzed with Mann Whitney U test and Spearman correlation (rho) on STATA 14 and the significance level was maintained at 5%. A positive association was found between the socioeconomic level and the presence of walking paths (marginal, p=0.056), accessibility (rho=0.875; p=0.001) and general quality of parks (rho=0.657; p=0.039). The low socioeconomic level was associated with the presence of sports courts (p=0.032). These results can guide the actions of public managers for the modification of the built environment and structures of the parks for physical activity.

Resumo As características dos parques (disponibilidade, acessibilidade, conservação, qualidade, segurança, etc.) são importantes preditores da sua utilização para a prática de atividades físicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a associação entre o nível socioeconômico dos bairros com as características e a qualidade dos parques públicos urbanos para a prática de atividades físicas em Bucaramanga, Colômbia. Estudo transversal, realizado em 2015, no qual foram avaliados 10 parques com estruturas para atividades físicas. O nível socioeconômico da região foi avaliado com base nos bairros próximos aos parques e classificado em "baixo" e "alto". O número de residentes próximos foi avaliado com o Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG), as características do local e a qualidade foram avaliadas, respectivamente, com o System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) e o Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA). A associação foi analisada com o teste U de Mann Whitney e a correlação de Spearman (rho) no STATA 14 e o nível de significância mantido em 5%. Foi verificada associação positiva entre o nível socioeconômico e a presença de pistas de caminhada (marginal, p=0,056), acessibilidade (rho=0,875; p=0,001) e qualidade geral dos parques (rho=0,657; p=0,039). O baixo nível socioeconômico foi associado à presença de quadras para esportes (p=0,032). Esses resultados podem orientar as ações dos gestores públicos para a modificação do ambiente construído e estruturas dos parques para a atividade física.

Logic model of the Recreovía: a community program to promote physical activity in Bogota / Modelo lógico da Recreovia: um programa para a promoção da atividade física em Bogotá

This study aimed to develop the logic model of the Recreovía program in Bogota, Colombia. The logic model was developed based on the manual of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with indicators of resources, activities and short- and long-term results. Mixed methods were used for data collection and analysis. Human, physical and financial resources, as well as collaborators of the program, were identified, besides the activities defined according to the program aims. In conclusion, the program emphasizes the processes and actors for their operation and maintenance, and recognizes future challenges for physical activity promotion in Bogota.

Este estudo objetivou desenvolver o modelo lógico do programa Recreovía de Bogotá, Colômbia. O modelo lógico foi desenvolvido com base no manual do Centro de Controle e Prevenção de Doença (CDC), com indicadores de recursos, atividades e resultados a curto, médio e longo prazo. Foram utilizados métodos mistos convergentes para a coleta e análise dos dados. Foram identificados os recursos humanos, físicos, financeiros e colaboradores do programa, além das atividades realizadas e resultados definidos de acordo com os objetivos do programa. Em conclusão, o programa ressalta os processos e atores para o seu funcionamento e manutenção, assim como identifica os desafios futuros para a promoção da atividade física em Bogotá.

Comparing three body mass index classification systems to assess overweight and obesity in children and adolescents / Comparación de tres sistemas de clasificación de los índices de masa corporal para evaluar el sobrepeso y la obesidad en niños y adolescentes

OBJECTIVE: To compare the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) 2005, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2000, and World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 body mass index (BMI) classification systems in terms of prevalence estimation and association with demographic factors. METHODS: The 18 265 children and adolescents ages 5 to 18 years (mean = 11.2 years, standard deviation = 3.9 years) in the nationally representative Colombian National Nutrition Survey of 2005 were classified as overweight or obese according to IOTF, CDC, and WHO criteria. Prevalence estimates were compared according to each system and associations with age, sex, socioeconomic status, and population density were tested. RESULTS: Prevalence estimates of combined overweight and obesity differed by system (males: IOTF = 8.5%, CDC = 10.8%, WHO = 14.1%; females: IOTF = 14.6%, CDC = 13.8%, WHO = 17.1%; P < 0.001). The association between combined overweight and obesity and age and sex varied by system. The odds of having overweight and obesity in children (5 to 10 years) compared with adolescents (11 to 18 years) were: IOTF, odds ratio (OR) = 0.87 and 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.77-0.98; CDC, OR = 1.27 and CI = 1.14-1.42; WHO, OR = 1.21 and CI = 1.08-1.35. The values for females compared with males were: IOTF, OR = 1.84 and CI = 1.6-2.10; CDC, OR = 1.33 and CI = 1.17-1.51; WHO, OR = 1.25 and CI = 1.12-1.41. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of consistency among the three main international systems in assessing overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Appreciably different estimates of prevalence and associations with age and sex are obtained depending on which system is used. Future studies should assess how well each system reflects valid measures of body composition.

OBJETIVO: Comparar los sistemas de clasificación de los índices de masa corporal (IMC) del Grupo de Trabajo Internacional sobre la Obesidad (IOTF) de 2005, de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) de 2000, y de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) de 2007, en cuanto a la estimación de la prevalencia y la asociación con factores demográficos. MÉTODOS: Los 18 265 niños y adolescentes de ambos sexos y de edades comprendidas entre 5 y 18 años (media = 11,2 años, desviación estándar = 3,9 años) que participaron en la Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional en Colombia del 2005, representativa a escala nacional, fueron clasificados como afectados de sobrepeso u obesidad según los criterios del IOTF, los CDC y la OMS. Se compararon los cálculos de la prevalencia según cada sistema y se analizaron las asociaciones con la edad, el sexo, la situación socioeconómica y la densidad de población. RESULTADOS: Los cálculos de la prevalencia del sobrepeso y la obesidad combinados diferían según el sistema (varones: IOTF = 8,5%, CDC = 10,8%, OMS = 14,1%; mujeres: IOTF = 14,6%, CDC = 13,8%, OMS = 17,1%; P < 0,001). La asociación entre el sobrepeso y la obesidad combinados y la edad y el sexo también variaban según el sistema de clasificación. Las probabilidades de tener sobrepeso y obesidad en los niños (de 5 a 10 años) en comparación con los adolescentes (de 11 a 18 años) fueron: IOTF, razón de posibilidades (OR) = 0,87 e intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC) 0,77-0,98; CDC, OR = 1,27 e IC 1,14-1,42; OMS, OR = 1,21 e IC 1,08-1,35. Los valores observados en las mujeres en comparación con los varones fueron: IOTF, OR = 1,84 e IC 1,6-2,10; CDC, OR = 1,33 e IC 1,17-1,51; OMS, OR = 1,25 e IC 1,12-1,41. CONCLUSIONES: Existe una falta de uniformidad entre los tres principales sistemas internacionales en la evaluación del sobrepeso y la obesidad en niños y adolescentes. Se obtienen cálculos apreciablemente diferentes de la prevalencia y de las asociaciones con la edad y el sexo según el sistema que se adopte. Los estudios futuros deben evaluar hasta qué punto cada sistema refleja adecuadamente mediciones válidas de la composición corporal.

Should they play outside? Cardiorespiratory fitness and air pollution among schoolchildren in Bogotá / ¿Deberían los niños jugar al aire libre? Acondicionamiento cardiorespiratorio y contaminación del aire en Bogotá

Objective: This study was aimed at comparing cardiorespiratory fitness (CF), measured as VO2 max, amongst school children exposed to varying levels of particulate matter (PM10), and air pollution in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study; it involved 1,045 children aged 7-12 attending four public schools served by different public transit routes and systems. Three schools were classified as being highly polluted (HP) and one slightly polluted (SP). The children and their parents were surveyed to collect data regarding their socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity habits and respiratory disease background. Objective measurements of weight and height were used to calculate the body mass index. VO2max was estimated using the 20-meter shuttle-run test, previously validated for Bogotá. Spirometry was performed on 435 children. Results: After adjustment for covariates, no difference was found in VO2max between children attending SP or HP schools (girls SP 45.8 ml/kg/min vs HP 44.6 ml/kg/min, p=0.11; boys SP 47.2 ml/kg/min cf HP 48.2 ml/kg/min, p=0.41). Conclusions: VO2max levels did not differ amongst children attending schools exposed to high compared to low levels of air pollution and PM. A longitudinal study assessing children’s VO2max levels in relation to exposure to highly-polluted areas is warranted.

Objetivo: Comparar el acondicionamiento cardiorespiratorio medido como VO2 máximo en niños escolarizados expuestos a diferentes niveles de PM10 en Bogotá. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal. Se incluyeron 1045 niños de 7-12 años de 4 colegios públicos con diferentes corredores viales y sistemas de transporte público. Tres colegios tenían alta contaminación (AC) y uno baja contaminación (BC). Se aplicó una encuesta a niños y padres sobre características sociodemográficas, actividad física, antecedentes de enfermedades respiratorias y salud. Se midió objetivamente peso y talla para calcular el índice masa corporal. El VO2 máximo se estimó con la prueba de Leger validada para Bogotá. Se realizaron espirometrias en 435 niños. Resultados: Después de ajustar por covariables, no se encontraron diferencias significativas en el VO2 máximo de los niños en colegios con BC ò AC. (Niñas BC: 45,8ml/kg/min vs. AC: 44,6ml/kg/min; p=0,11, niños BC: 47,2ml/kg/min vs. AC: 48,2ml/kg/min; p=0,41). Conclusión: No se encontraron diferencias en el VO2 máximo de los niños que asistían a los colegios de AC ó BC. Se recomienda un estudio longitudinal que evalúe los niveles de VO2 máximo en los niños expuestos a áreas altamente contaminadas.