Predictors of dropout in the school-based multi-component intervention, 'Mexa-se'.

To identify the predictors of dropout in the 'Mexa-se' intervention according to the body mass index (BMI) category. This was a controlled, non-randomized study. The intervention included: (i) increase in the intensity of physical activities (PA) in physical education (PE) classes; (ii) active recess; (iii) educational sessions on PA, nutrition and body image; and (iv) educational materials. Dropout was considered when students dropped out of intervention, or did not reach 75% attendance in PE classes. The independent variables were gender, age, study period, socioeconomic status, BMI, PA, screen time, food consumption, health perception, attitudes toward PA, self-efficacy for PA, perception of the school environment, body image and self-esteem. Binary logistic regression analysis was used. The dropout rate was 26.8%. In the total sample and among students with an adequate BMI, there was a greater probability of dropout with an increase in age. For overweight students, increased age and socioeconomic status, and studying in the afternoon period were predictors of dropout from the intervention. Socio-demographic factors were predictors of dropout from the 'Mexa-se' intervention; the associated factors differed based on the BMI category.

Body image dissatisfaction and anthropometric indicators in male children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between body image dissatisfaction and body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) and to identify which of these anthropometric indicators are more strongly associated, and finally to estimate the prevalence of overweight and high body adiposity in male children and adolescents, according to maturational stages. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Overall, 1499 students aged from 7 to 17 years from Cascavel, PR, Brazil, were evaluated. Body image was self-rated through the body silhouette scale. Body weight, height and triceps and subscapular skinfolds were measured and BMI and BF% were calculated. Sexual maturity was self-assessed by the development of pubic hair. Data analysis used the Fisher exact test, the χ(2)-test and multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Body image dissatisfaction because of excess weight was associated with BMI and BF%, whereas in prepubertal students, this association did not remain in the adjusted analysis. In pubescent students, both BMI (odds ratio (OR)=5.25, confidence interval (CI) 95%=3.06-9.01) and BF% (OR=2.42, CI 95%=1.60-3.66), and in post-pubescent students for BMI (OR=3.77, CI 95%=1.33-10.70), the association remained. Body image dissatisfaction because of thinness was associated only with BF% in pubescent (OR=0.50, CI 95%= 0.33-0.75) and post-pubescent students (OR=0.38, CI 95%= 0.16-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Body image dissatisfaction was associated with BMI and BF%, especially in pubescent and post-pubescent students.

Morphological and physical fitness characteristics of under-16 Portuguese male handball players with different levels of practice.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the morphology and physical fitness of 104 under-16 male handball athletes with different competitive levels in function of their bone maturation. METHODS: Athletes were divided into two groups, 59 competed in the NL-national league, with higher competitive level (14.06±0.66 years) and 45 competed in the RL-regional league (14.24±0.60 years). The morphology was evaluated by measuring body mass, height, sitting height, arm span, four lengths, four breadths, five girths and eleven skinfolds. The physical fitness assessment used eight tests (20-m shuttle run; 30-m sprint; sit-and-reach; horizontal and vertical jump with counter movement; overhead medicine ball throw-3 kg; handgrip; handball specific agility test). Bone age was determined using the TW3 method. RESULTS: In morphological terms, NL athletes showed greater dimensions for all anthropometric variables except for hand length (transversal and longitudinal), biepicondylar femur breadth, mid-thigh girth and skinfolds. In physical fitness terms, these athletes have better results for VO2max, velocity, agility, arm strength and handgrip than athletes competing in the RL. Maturational differences explain the morphological profile superiority of NL athletes in terms of arm span, lower limb length, biacromial breadth and physical fitness profile for VO2max and arm strength. CONCLUSION: Maturation should be considered as a covariate when one intends to distinguish the morphological characteristics and physical fitness of under-16 athletes with different levels of practice.