Association between phase angle and isolated and grouped physical fitness indicators in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Examine association between phase angle and isolated and grouped physical fitness indicators in adolescents. METHODS: The sample consisted of 353 adolescents, aged 10-16 years. Phase angle was calculated based on crude resistance and reactance values (50 kHz frequency) obtained by tetrapole electrical bioimpedance (BIA). Fat mass and lean mass were estimated by means of anthropometric equations. Hydraulic dynamometer was used to measure handgrip strength and aerobic fitness was obtained by means of the 20-m back-and-forth test. The z-score for isolated and grouped physical fitness indicators was calculated. Covariates were age, habitual physical activity and screen time (obtained by questionnaire), and sexual maturation (self-reported). RESULTS: For males, phase angle was directly associated with lean mass (ß = 0.02, p < 0.01), handgrip strength (ß = 0.03, p < 0.01), and aerobic fitness (ß = 0.01, p = 0.05), even adjusting for covariates. For females, phase angle was directly associated with lean mass (ß = 0.02; p = 0.04) after adjusting for covariates. Phase angle was directly associated with composite physical fitness z-score in both sexes (male, ß = 0.09, p < 0.01, female, ß = 0.03, p = 0.05), even adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Phase angle was directly associated with isolated and grouped physical fitness indicators in adolescents. In this way, the phase angle can be used to monitor the health of adolescents.

The effect of an intervention on physical activity of moderate-and-vigorous intensity, and sedentary behavior during adolescents' time at school. / Efeito de uma intervenção sobre atividade física moderada a vigorosa e comportamento sedentário no tempo escolar de adolescentes.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the effect of an intervention on the engagement in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) of sixth to ninth grade students during school-time, physical education (PE) classes, and recesses at two public schools in Florianopolis, SC, Brazil. METHOD: Schools were divided into control and experimental groups. Participants wore accelerometers during school-time, and PA and SB were estimated for school-time, PE classes and recesses at the baseline and after the intervention. The intervention was composed of four components: changes were made in the PE classes, including giving instruction to teachers; sports equipment was made available for use during recesses; educational sessions on the format of classes were conducted; folders and posters were distributed. Data was analyzed using an Analysis of Covariance for repeated measures comparing baseline data with post intervention data, and for independent samples when comparing control and intervention groups. RESULTS: A low proportion of engagement in PA and a large engagement in SB was observed on the baseline. PA decreased in the intervention group during PE classes, while it increased in the control group with regard to school-time, PE classes, and recess. The intervention group accumulated more SB during school-time and PE classes after the intervention, while a decrease in the control group's SB during school-time was observed. CONCLUSION: The intervention was not effective in increasing PA or decreasing SB. Environmental and school's organizational factors impact how interventions are conducted, and should be considered beforehand.

INTRODUÇÃO: Este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção sobre o engajamento em atividade física (AF) e comportamento sedentário (CS) no período escolar, em aulas de educação física (EF) e nos recreios em estudantes do sexto ao nono ano de escolas públicas de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. MÉTODOS: Duas escolas foram alocadas em grupo experimental e controle. Os participantes utilizaram acelerômetros no período escolar e o tempo em AF e CS foram estimados no período escolar, aulas de EF e recreios antes e após a intervenção. A intervenção foi composta de quatro componentes: mudanças nas aulas de EF, com formação dos professores; disponibilização de materiais esportivos no recreio; sessões educativas no formato de aulas; e distribuição de folders e cartazes com informações sobre os desfechos da intervenção. Foram empregadas análises de covariância para medidas repetidas comparando a linha de base e pós-intervenção e para amostras independentes, comparando o grupo controle com o grupo intervenção. RESULTADOS: Observou-se uma baixa proporção de AF na escola na linha de base e um elevado volume de CS. O grupo intervenção diminuiu a AF em aulas de EF, enquanto o grupo controle aumentou em todos os períodos. O grupo intervenção também acumulou mais o CS no período escolar e em aulas de EF após a intervenção, enquanto o controle diminuiu o CS no período escolar. CONCLUSÃO: A intervenção proposta não foi efetiva em aumentar a AF e diminuir o CS. Fatores ambientais e de organização escolar podem ter impactado os resultados e devem ser considerados no planejamento de intervenções.

Exposure to simultaneous sedentary behavior domains and sociodemographic factorsassociated in public servants / Exposição a simultâneos domínios do comportamentosedentário e fatores sociodemográficos associados em servidores públicos

Abstract Exposure to sedentary behavior may contribute to health problems. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of exposure to simultaneous sedentary behavior domains and verify associated sociodemographic characteristics among technical and administrative servers of a Brazilian university. This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study carried out with 623 technical and administrative servers. Sedentary behavior was identified through a questionnaire in the following domains: commuting (active / passive), sitting time at work, daily time spent watching television and computer use (≥3 hours / day). Sociodemographic variables were age, sex and educational level. The prevalence of servers that had one, two, three and four simultaneous sedentary behavior was 28.4%, 43.2%, 22.5% and 4.3%, respectively. Women were more likely to have three sedentary behavior simultaneously (OR = 1.61, CI 95% = 1.02, 2.56). Servers with 9-11 years of schooling were less exposed to two (OR = 0.27, CI 95% = 0.17, 0.44), three (OR = 0.39, CI 95% = 0.23, 0.66) and four (OR = 0.22, CI 95% = 0.07; 0.69) sedentary behavior simultaneously and those over 12 years of schooling were less likely of having two (OR = 0.22, CI 95% = 0.10; 0.49) and three (OR = 0.15, CI 95% = 0.05, 0.46) sedentary behavior simultaneously. More than half of servers have two sedentary behavior during the week. Having sedentary behavior in more than one domain simultaneously was associated with sex and educational level.

Resumo A exposição a comportamentos sedentários podem contribuir para diversos agravos a saúde. Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de exposição a simultâneos domínios do comportamento sedentário e verificar que características sociodemográficas estão associadas, em servidores técnico-administrativos de uma universidade federal brasileira. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico transversal realizado com 623 servidores técnico-administrativos. O comportamento sedentário foi identificado por meio de questionário nos domínios: deslocamento (ativo/passivo), tempo sentado no trabalho, tempo de assistir televisão e utilização o computador por dia (≥ três horas/dia). As variáveis sociodemográficas investigadas foram: idade, sexo e escolaridade. A prevalência de servidores que apresentaram um, dois, três e quatro comportamentos sedentários simultaneamente foi de 28,4%, 43,2%, 22,5% e 4,3%, respectivamente. As mulheres apresentaram maior chance de ter três comportamentos sedentários simultaneamente (RC: 1,61; IC95%: 1,02; 2,56). Os servidores com 9 a 11 anos de escolaridade estiveram menos expostos a dois (RC: 0,27; IC95%: 0,17; 0,44), três (RC: 0,39; IC95%: 0,23; 0,66) e quatro (RC: 0,22; IC95%: 0,07; 0,69) comportamentos sedentários simultaneamente e aqueles com 12 anos ou mais de escolaridade tiveram menor chance de ter dois (RC: 0,22; IC95%: 0,10; 0,49) e três (RC: 0,15; IC95%: 0,05; 0,46) comportamentos sedentários. Mais da metade dos servidores apresentaram comportamentos sedentários em dois domínios, durante a semana. O comportamento sedentário em mais de um domínio simultaneamente foi associado ao sexo e ao nível educacional.

Sedentary patterns, physical activity and health-related physical fitness in youth: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Strong evidence indicates that moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is positively associated with fitness in youth, independent of total sedentary-time. Sedentary-time appears negatively associated with fitness only when it replaces MVPA. However, whether different sedentary-patterns affect health-related fitness is unknown. METHODS: The associations between MVPA and sedentary-patterns with physical fitness were examined in 2698 youths (1262 boys) aged 13.4 ± 2.28 years. Sedentary-time (counts · minute-1 < 100) and PA were objectively measured by accelerometry. Each break (≥100 counts · min-1 < 2295) in sedentary-time and the frequency of daily bouts in non-prolonged (<30 min) and prolonged (≥30 min) sedentary-time were determined. The FITNESSGRAM® test battery was used to assess fitness. A standardized fitness composite-score (z-score) was calculated by summing the individual z-scores of the five tests adjusted to age and sex. RESULTS: Positive associations between MVPA and fitness were observed in both boys (ß = 0.013, 95% CI: 0.005; 0.021) and girls (ß = 0.014, 95% CI: 0.006; 0.022), independent of sedentary-patterns. Modest associations were found for the breaks in sedentary-time with fitness (ß = 0.026, 95% CI: 0.009; 0.042), independent of total sedentary-time and MVPA in boys. In girls, non-prolonged sedentary bouts were positively associated with fitness (ß = 0.014, 95% CI: 0.003; 0.024), independent of total sedentary-time and MVPA. CONCLUSIONS: These results reinforce that, independent of the time and patterns of sedentary behavior, MVPA is consistently associated with fitness in youth. Modest and inconsistent associations were found for sedentary behaviors. Breaking-up sedentary-time in boys and non-prolonged sedentary bouts in girls were positively associated with fitness, independent of total sedentary-time and MVPA. In order to enhance youth's fitness, public health recommendations should primarily target MVPA, still, suggestion to reduce and break-up sedentary-time may also be considered.

Orientações para utilização de acelerômetros no Brasil / Instructions for accelerometer use in Brazil

O objetivo do presente estudo foi apresentar um conjunto de orientações para a utilização de acelerômetros no Brasil. O método consistiu na revisão e síntese de artigos que utilizaram acelerômetros como instrumento de medida objetiva da atividade física. Com base nesses estudos, buscou-se apresentar orientações para as fases pré-coleta (seleção do acelerômetro; testagem da calibração dos acelerômetros, atualização de firmware; estudo piloto; e definição de protocolo), coleta (distribuição dos acelerômetros; contato com participantes; e devolução dos acelerômetros) e pós-coleta (processamento; transformação e interpretação dos dados; e comparabilidade dos dados) do uso de acelerômetros. São descritos procedimentos para facilitar as tomadas de decisões relacionadas ao uso desses dispositivos, bem como para obtenção de dados de acelerometria válidos e reprodutíveis. As orientações são uma iniciativa de pesquisadores da área a fim de proporcionar um avanço metodológico nas medidas objetivas da atividade física. A adoção das orientações pode facilitar a padronização dos procedimentos empregados e a comparabilidade de resultados entre estudos com acelerômetros no Brasil.

The aim of this study was to develop instructions for using accelerometers to measure physical activity in Brazil. This manuscript is a review and synthesis of scientific papers that have used accelerometers for objective physical activity assessment in different age groups as well as studies providing directions for using activity monitors in large-scale studies. In this study, we present instructions for the pre-data collection (selection of monitor; unit calibration, firmware update, pilot study, protocol definition), data collection (monitor distribution, contacting participants, monitor return) and post-data collection (data processing, transformation and interpretation) phases. We describe procedures for facilitating decision making related to using accelerometers, as well as for obtaining valid and reliable accelerometer physical activity data. This set of instructions is an initiative of a group of physical activity researchers with the purpose of contributing to methodologically advance the field of objective physical activity measurement in Brazil. The current set of instructions intend to facilitate the standardization of procedures for collecting physical activity data with accelerometers in Brazil and, thus, for ascertaining future comparability of data collected in different studies.

Stages of Behavior Change for physical activity and associated factors among technical-administrative servers of a federal university / Estágios de Mudança de Comportamento para a atividade física e fatores associados em servidores técnico-administrativos de uma universidade federal

Abstract The benefits that the regular practice of physical activity (PA) provides to health and its importance in preventing and fighting chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to identify the Stages of Behavior Change (SBC) for PA among technical-administrative servers and its association with sociodemographic and health risk factors. This cross-sectional study investigated 622 technical-administrative servers (337 women) from a Brazilian federal university. SBC for PA, sociodemographic information (gender, age, marital status and educational level) and health risk factors (inadequate eating habits, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, commuting and PA at work) were collected through questionnaires. Multinomial regression with adjustment for the hierarchical level was applied and significance level of 5% was adopted. The distribution of technical-administrative servers in SBC for PA identified prevalence of 9.1% and 6.5% in the pre-contemplation stage, 24.6% and 33.5% in contemplation, 33.3% and 22 6% in preparation, 5.6% and 12.2% in action and 27.4% and 25.2% in maintenance stages between men and women, respectively. Lower odds ratio of being in the preparation stage was identified among women (OR=0.62; CI95%=0.41; 0.93) while those with inadequate eating habits were more odds to be in the “pre-contemplation + contemplation” (OR=2.77; CI95%=1.85; 4.15) and preparation stages (OR=1.75; CI95%=1.12; 2.70). Over 60% of technical-administrative servers are insufficiently active (pre-contemplation, contemplation and preparation stages) and factors associated with SBC were female sex and inadequate eating habits.

Resumo Os benefícios que a atividade física (AF) regular proporciona à saúde e a sua importância para prevenir e combater doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Objetivou-se identificar os Estágios de Mudança de Comportamento (EMC) para a AF em servidores técnico-administrativos e sua associação com fatores sociodemográficos e de risco a saúde. Este estudo transversal investigou 622 servidores (337 mulheres) técnico-administrativos de uma universidade federal brasileira. Foram coletados os EMC para a AF, informações sociodemográficas (sexo, idade, estado civil e escolaridade) e fatores de risco à saúde (hábitos alimentares inadequados, consumo excessivo de álcool, tabagismo, forma de deslocamento e AF no trabalho) por meio de questionários. Aplicou-se a regressão multinomial com ajuste por nível hierárquico e adotou-se nível de significância de 5%. A distribuição dos servidores nos EMC para a AF identificou prevalência de 9,1% e 6,5% no estágio de pré-contemplação, 24,6% e 33,5% de contemplação, 33,3% e 22,6% de preparação, 5,6% e 12,2% de ação e 27,4% e 25,2% de manutenção entre homens e mulheres, respectivamente. Menor chance de estar no estágio de preparação foi identificada entre as mulheres (RC: 0,62; IC95%: 0,41; 0,93) enquanto aqueles com hábitos alimentares inadequados apresentaram maior chance de estar nos estágios de pré-contemplação + contemplação (RC: 2,77; IC95%: 1,85; 4,15) e preparação (RC: 1,75; IC95%: 1,12; 2,70). Mais de 60% dos servidores da instituição são insuficientemente ativos (estágios de pré-contemplação, contemplação e preparação) e os fatores associados aos EMC foram o sexo feminino e os hábitos alimentares inadequados.

School-Based Interventions to Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Adolescents: Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: School-based intervention can contribute to the promotion of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adolescents. However, it is neces sary to systematize how intervention strategies and the methodological characteristics of studies influence the effects of CRF interventions. OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis review of school-based intervention studies aimed at increasing CRF in adolescents (10-19 years of age) was conducted. METHODS: A search for studies was conducted using the Medline, Web of Science, LILACS, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Cochrane databases and the reference lists of the selected studies. The peer selection process included consideration of school-based randomized or non-randomized controlled trials with a duration ≥12 weeks published in English, Portuguese or Spanish, and with some CRF measures. The methodological quality of the studies was also assessed. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) were calculated as an effect measure. RESULTS: Forty publications of 30 interventions were included in the review, and 25 of these were meta-analysed. The effects of CRF interventions were moderate and significant (SMD = 0.68, 95 % CI 0.45-0.90), with high heterogeneity (I (2) = 97 %). The effect size varied significantly according to the age group, sample size, intervention environment, strategies in experimental groups, CRF priority in the study, CRF test and indicator, session length, weekly frequency, intervention duration and presentation of results by sex. CONCLUSION: Interventions in the school environment seem to have a positive effect on CRF among adolescents, but there is high heterogeneity between studies. Some intervention characteristics can explain better effects on CRF (e.g. exercise sessions in addition to physical education classes; primary focus on this outcome; combination of aerobic and resistance exercises; classes lasting ≥60 min; frequency of three times weekly; and intensity control).

Somatotype of competitive youth soccer players from Brazil.

The aim of this study was to identify the morphological configuration of youth athletes from professional soccer clubs and to verify their differences according to the tactical position on the field. Overall, 67 male players aged 15 to 17 years were evaluated. The examined anthropometric measurements included body mass, body height, skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, supraspinal and medial calf), girths (flexed and tensed arm and calf) and breadths (humerus and femur). For statistical purposes, analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. We concluded that goalkeepers were heavier and taller than center backs (p = 0.015 and p = 0.001), midfielders (p = 0.005 and p <0.001) and center forward players (p = 0.024 and p <0.001). The average somatotype for defense, forward and goalkeeper positions was a balanced mesomorph. Midfield players showed ectomorphic-mesomorph characteristics. It was concluded that goalkeepers were characterized as being taller and heavier and that somatotype features of athletes were similar between positions, except for midfield players.

Overweight and obesity and associated factors in technical and administrative staff at a Brazilian Federal University / Excesso de peso, obesidade abdominal e fatores associados em servidores de uma Universidade Federal Brasileira

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence rates of excess weight and abdominal obesity among technical and administrative staff at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) using a range of different anthropometric indicators and to identify sociodemographic factors associated with these rates. This was a cross-sectional study of 615 members of staff at UFSC (283 men and 332 women). The following anthropometric indicators were analyzed: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist to height ratio (WHtR). The following sociodemographic variables were also analyzed: age, sex, skin color, marital status, socioeconomic status, educational level and employment grade. Statistical analysis was conducted using Student's t test, the Mann-Whitney U test and Poisson regression (with a 95% confidence interval). Prevalence rates for men and women respectively were as follows; excess weight: 63.6% and 49.7% (BMI); abdominal obesity (WC): 33.5% and 42.4%; and abdominal obesity (WHtR): 61.8% and 40.6%. Age greater than 40 years was associated with a higher probability of excess weight and abdominal obesity in men (by BMI and WHtR) and women (by BMI, WC and WHtR). Women who had spent 8 years or fewer in education had lower probabilities of excess weight (PR=0.67; 95%CI=0.49; 0.94) and abdominal obesity, by both WC (PR=0.62; 95%CI=0.44; 0.90) and WHtR (PR=0.49; 95%CI=0.39; 0.64). These results indicate an elevated prevalence of excess weight and abdominal obesity and show that the factors associated with these outcomes vary by sex and depending on the anthropometric indicator analyzed.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de excesso de peso e obesidade abdominal, segundo diferentes indicadores antropométricos, e os fatores sociodemográficos associados em servidores técnico-administrativos da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Estudo transversal realizado com 615 servidores da UFSC (283 homens e 332 mulheres). Foram analisados os indicadores antropométricos: índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência da cintura (CC) e razão cintura estatura (RCEst) e as variáveis sociodemográficas (idade, sexo, cor da pele, estado civil, nível socioeconômico, nível de escolaridade e nível ocupacional). As análises estatísticas abrangeram o teste t de student, teste U de Mann-Witney e regressão de Poisson (Intervalo de Confiança de 95%). Para homens e mulheres, a prevalência de excesso de peso foi de 63,6% e 49,7% (IMC) e de obesidade abdominal de 33,5%, 42,4% (CC), 61,8% e 40,6% (RCEst), respectivamente. Ter mais de 40 anos identificou maior probabilidade de excesso de peso e obesidade abdominal em homens (IMC e RCEst) e mulheres (IMC, CC e RCEst). A probabilidade de ter excesso de peso (RP=0,67; IC95%=0,49; 0,94) e obesidade abdominal, segundo a CC (RP=0,62; IC95%=0,44; 0,90) e RCEst (RP=0,49; IC95%=0,39; 0,64), foi menor para as mulheres com oito anos de escolaridade ou menos. Esses resultados indicam uma elevada prevalência de excesso de peso e obesidade abdominal e que os fatores associados a esses desfechos diferem segundo o sexo e de acordo com o indicador antropométrico analisado.

Prevalência de obesidade abdominal e fatores associados em crianças e adolescentes de Cascavel-PR, Brasil / Abdominal obesity prevalence and associated factors in children and adolescents in Cascavel-PR State, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de obesidade abdominal e a sua associação com indicadores sociodemográficos, estado nutricional e maturação sexual em escolares de oito a 17 anos, do sexo feminino. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 2.595 escolares do sexo feminino de escolas públicas e privadas da cidade de Cascavel-PR, Brasil. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas, antropométricas e de maturação sexual. Para a análise dos dados aplicou-se o teste qui-quadrado e a regressão logística binária. A prevalência de obesidade abdominal foi de 8,2%. As escolares do Ensino Médio apresentaram menores chances de ter obesidade abdominal, quando comparadas as meninas do Ensino Fundamental (OR=0,36; IC95%=0,15-0,85) e aquelas com excesso de peso apresentaram maiores chances de ter o desfecho (OR=181,36; IC95%=84,43-389,58). São necessárias intervenções educacionais visando à prevenção e redução da obesidade abdominal, principalmente entre as escolares do Ensino Fundamental e com excesso de peso.

The aim of this study was to determine the abdominal obesity prevalence and its association with socio-demographic indicators, nutritional status and sexual maturity in female students aged 8 to 17 years. This is a cross-sectional study with 2,595 female students from public and private schools of the city of Cascavel, Paraná State, Brazil. Socio-demographic, anthropometric and sexual maturity data were collected. Data analysis was carried out by a chi-square test and binary logistic regression. The obesity prevalence was 8.2%. High-school students were less likely to have abdominal obesity when compared with girls at basic education (OR = 0.36, 95%CI=0.15-0.85) and those with overweight were more likely to have the outcome (OR = 181.36, 95%CI=84.43-389.58). Educational interventions aimed at preventing and reducing abdominal obesity should be implemented, especially among overweight schoolchildren.

Prevalence and factors associated with high body fat in adolescents from a region of Brazil.

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with high body fat in adolescents. A cross-sectional study conducted with 601 students from both sexes aged 14-17 years who live in Midwestern state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Body adiposity was assessed by the sum of subscapular and triceps skinfolds. Sociodemographic variables such as lifestyle, aerobic fitness and nutritional status were assessed. For data analysis, Poisson regression multivariable was used. The prevalence of high body fat was 51.2% for girls and 31.2% for boys. Higher prevalences of high body fat were observed for girls aged 16-17 years (PR: 1.15, CI 95%: 1.07-1.24) and overweight (PR: 1.36, CI 95%: 1.27-1.44) and for boys with high socioeconomic level (PR: 1.21, CI 95%: 1.09-1.34), inadequate eating habits (PR: 1.11, CI 95%: 1.02-1.21), physically inactive (PR: 1.10, CI 95%: 1.02-1.19) and overweight (PR: 1.46, CI 95%: 1.35-1.57). The prevalence of high body fat was high and factors associated with this outcome are different for each sex; thus, interventions for prevention and control of obesity should be different for girls and boys.

Aptidão motora e capacidade para o trabalho de policiais militares do Batalhão de Operações Especiais / Motor fitness and work ability of the police officers of the Special Operations Group

Introdução e Objetivo: pretendeu este estudo verificar a aptidão motora, a capacidade para o trabalho e a diferença na aptidão motora de acordo com a capacidade para o trabalho de policiais militares do Batalhão de Operações Especiais. Método: participaram do estudo 42 policiais, do sexo masculino que responderam a um questionário para avaliar a capacidade para o trabalho e realizaram medidas para avaliar a aptidão motora. Discussão e resultados: os policiais avaliados apresentaram uma boa capacidade para o trabalho e nos testes realizados os melhores desempenhos foram para a resistência muscular localizada e resistência cardiorrespiratória. Quando comparados, os resultados dos testes de acordo com a capacidade para o trabalho, não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Conclusão: os achados sugerem que os policiais necessitam melhorar sua aptidão motora, principalmente nas variáveis flexibilidade, agilidade, velocidade, potência de membros inferiores e resistência cardiorrespiratória e a capacidade para o trabalho precisa ser mantida, para que os policiais estejam aptos a realizarem suas funções.

Introduction and Objective: the study aimed to verify the motor fitness, work ability and the difference in motor fitness in accordance with the work ability of police officers of the Special Operations Battalion. Method: study participants were 42 male police officer, who answered a questionnaire to evaluate the Work Ability and performed measurements to assess the motor fitness. Results and discussion: the polices good work ability and the physical tests showed that the best results were for muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory endurance. When comparing, the results of the tests according to the work ability, we found no statistically significant differences. Conclusion: the findings suggest that the police need to improve their motor fitness, especially in the variable flexibility, agility, speed, power and endurance of lower limbs cardiorespiratory endurance and work ability needs to be supportedin order to improve a good performance of their duties.