Physical Education for Health Among School-Aged Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review of Reviews.

BACKGROUND: Physical education (PE) classes in schools are considered relevant to implement interventions, especially focused on physical activity. However, evidence overviews on how PE classes contribute to general health (physical, social, affective, and cognitive domains) are still needed. Thus, we summarized evidence synthesis (eg, systematic reviews) that addressed the contribution of PE classes to the health of school-aged children and adolescents. METHODS: We performed a scoping review with searches in 8 databases and institutional websites to find systematic reviews or meta-analyses that answered this review's research question. Data charting form included the identification of the study, health outcomes, and PE classes' strategies (policies and environment, curriculum, appropriate instructions, and evaluation). An interactive process was performed to build the evidence summary. RESULTS: An initial search yielded 2264 titles, and 49 systematic reviews (including 11 with meta-analysis) were included in this review. Most documents reported the main benefits of PE classes on physical domain outcomes (eg, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass index, and fundamental motor skills). However, evidence on the benefits of PE classes in affective (eg, enjoyment, motivation, and autonomy); social (eg, cooperation, problem-solving, and making friends); and cognitive (eg, memory, attention, concentration, and decision making) domains were found. Strategies on PE classes for health benefits were highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: These elements were detailed in the evidence summary, which may be considered to guide researchers, teachers, and practitioners to define research and practice priorities on PE class interventions for health in the school context.

Mapping recommended strategies to promote active and healthy lifestyles through physical education classes: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Understanding which strategies have been recommended for the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles through physical education (PE) classes can guide PE policies and practice. Therefore, we summarized worldwide recommendations regarding strategies for PE classes that have aimed to promote active and healthy lifestyles among school-aged children and adolescents. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were utilized. A literature search was carried out in June 2020 in eight peer-reviewed literature databases, in addition to searches in institutional and personal libraries. The eligibility criteria included any online document that included recommendations targeting any dimension of PE classes (e.g., policy and environment, curriculum, appropriate instruction, student assessment, and strategies that interact with PE) published since 2000. RESULTS: In total, 2,408 potentially eligible documents were screened. Of these, 63 were included in the final analysis. The recommended strategies were as follows: six referred to policy and environment (valuing PE, higher frequency and duration of classes, inclusive PE classes, mandatory daily classes, evaluation of PE classes, and qualified teachers), five to curriculum (structure, type of content, cross-cutting themes, and components that improve PE classes), four to appropriate instruction (promotion of physical activities, inclusion of social issues, employment of the use of innovative technologies, and organization of the teaching-learning process), and three to student assessment (understanding human movement concepts, evaluation of contents, and assessment methods to develop an active and healthy lifestyle). CONCLUSION: Twenty-one strategies recommended for PE classes linked to five dimensions aimed at different target populations were identified. Over half were linked to the dimensions of policy and environment and appropriate instruction. PE is recommended to be mandatory and valued at all educational levels, with weekly frequency that contributes to an active and healthy lifestyle. This review shows that guaranteeing different experiences beyond sports, improving social inclusion, using innovative technologies, and providing adequate materials and spaces to be important challenges and ways to guide policies, programs, and new research in this field of knowledge. Open Science Framework Registration: https://osf.io/harwq/.

Educação física escolar: Guia de Atividade Física para a População Brasileira / Physical Education: Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population

As aulas de educação física (EF) escolar representam um momento propício para conhecer e viven-ciar a pluralidade do movimento humano, favorecendo a promoção de uma vida ativa e saudável. A importância da EF escolar foi reconhecida pelo Guia de Atividade Física para a População Brasileira (Guia), que dedicou um capítulo para orientar a comunidade escolar sobre os benefícios à saúde e as estratégias de sucesso adotadas nas aulas de EF escolar. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar o processo de elaboração das recomendações brasileiras de EF escolar para a população brasileira, mais especificamente os estudantes, professores, pais e responsáveis, e gestores. Esse capítulo do Guia foi desenvolvido por dez pesquisadores brasileiros, incluindo um representante do Ministério da Saúde. Três sínteses de evidências, escutas ao público-alvo e consulta pública foram realizadas para a construção das recomendações. Dados de 49 revisões sistemáticas sobre os benefícios da EF escolar à saúde e de 22 intervenções nas aulas de EF escolar com estudantes brasileiros foram sumarizados. Ainda, foram sintetizados 63 documentos nacionais e internacionais com estratégias recomendadas para a EF escolar, com foco nas dimensões: política e ambiente; currículo; instrução apropriada; avaliação; e estratégias que interagem com a EF escolar. Os grupos focais e a consulta pública fun-damentaram a elaboração e o aprimoramento da versão final das recomendações. Espera-se que estas recomendações alicercem a criação de políticas públicas, melhorem a conscientização sobre a importância da prática de atividade física na EF escolar e enfatizem a necessidade de realizar estudos futuros nesta área de conhecimento

Physical Education (PE) classes represent an appropriate time to know and experience the plurality of the human movement, favoring the promotion of a healthy and active life. The importance of PE was recognized by the Physical Activity Guide for the Brazilian Population, which dedicated a chapter to guide the school community on the health benefits and successful strategies adopted in PE classes. This study aimed to show the process of elaborating Brazilian recommendations for PE for the Brazilian population, more specifically students, teachers, parents and guardians, and managers. This chapter of the Guide was developed by ten Brazilian researchers, including a spokeswoman of the Ministry of Health. Three syntheses of evidence, focus groups/interviews and public consultation were carried out to construct the recommendations. Data from 49 systematic reviews on the health benefits of PE and 22 interventions in PE classes with Brazilian students were summarized. Also, 63 documents were synthesized with strategies recommended for PE classes, focusing on the dimensions: politics and environment; curriculum; appropriate instruction; evaluation; and strategies that interact with PE. The focus groups and the public consultation were the basis for the elaboration and improvement of the final version of the recommendations. It is expected that these recommendations can assist the creation of public policies, the improvement of practice PE and the need to conduct future studies in this area of knowledge

Inequalities in multimorbidity among elderly: a population-based study in a city in Southern Brazil.

Lower socioeconomic level is positively related to multimorbidity and it is possible that the clustering of health conditions carries the same association. The aim of this study was to identify prevalence of multimorbidity and clusters of health conditions among elderly, as well the underlying socioeconomic inequalities. This was a cross-sectional population-based study carried out with 60-year-old individuals. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of 2+, 3+, 4+ or 5+ health conditions in the same individual. Schooling levels and the National Economic Index were used to investigate inequalities in the prevalence of multimorbidities among elderly. Slope and concentration indexes of inequality were used to evaluate absolute and relative differences. A factorial analysis was performed to identify disease clusters. In every ten older adults, about nine, eight, seven and six presented, respectvely, 2+, 3+, 4+ and 5+ health conditions. Three clusters of health conditions were found, involving musculoskeletal/mental/functional disorders, cardiometabolic, and respiratory factors. Higher inequalities were found the higher amount of health conditions (5+), when considering economic level, and for 3+, 4+ and 5+, when considering educational level. These findings show high multimorbidity prevalence among elderly, highlighting the persistence of health inequalities in Southern Brazil. Strategies by the health services need to focus on elderly at lower socioeconomic levels.

Atividade física e estresse psicológico em adolescentes: revisão sistemática / Physical activity and psychological stress in adolescents: systematic review

O objetivo do estudo foi revisar sistematicamente a literatura sobre a associação entre a prática de atividade física e estresse em adolescentes. Foram analisadas as bases de dados da PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, LILACS, PsycInfo, e ADOLEC. Foi realizada a avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos artigos e todo o processo de revisão foi realizado por pares. Foram identificados 19.460 títulos, onde 176 resumos foram analisados e 104 artigos apreciados na íntegra. Ao final do processo, 11 artigos foram incluídos, cuja avaliação da qualidade metodológica apresentaram em média 9,0 (DP 1,5) pontos de 14 itens avaliados. Independente da direcionalidade, os estudos indicaram uma associação inexistente ou de pequena magnitude entre a prática de atividade física e o estresse (ou estresse psicológico) entre adolescentes investigados com delineamentos observacionais distintos. Estudos experimentais parecem demonstrar um efeito positivo da atividade física sobre o estresse. Maiores evidências sobre o tema ainda são necessárias, considerando diferentes aspectos do contexto familiar e do ambiente, temporalidade das associações e maior diversidade de práticas de atividade física nos estudos experimentais.(AU)

The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on the association between the practice of physical activity and stress in adolescents. The databases were analyzed of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, LILACS, PsycInfo, and ADOLEC. The assessment of the methodological quality of the articles and the entire process of review was performed by peers. 19,460 titles were identified, where 176 abstracts were analyzed and 104 articles assessed in full. At the end of the process, 11 articles were included, whose assessment of the methodological quality presented on average 9.0 (DP 1.5) 14 items points. Regardless of directionality, the studies indicated a nonexistent or small magnitude association between the practice of physical activity and stress (or psychological stress) among adolescents investigated with observational distinct designs. Experimental studies seem to demonstrate a positive effect of physical activity on stress. Major evidence on the subject are still required, considering different aspects of family and environmental context, timeliness of associations and greater diversity of practice of physical activity in experimental studies.(AU)

Inequalities in multimorbidity among elderly: a population-based study in a city in Southern Brazil / Desigualdades na ocorrência de multimorbidade entre idosos: um estudo populacional em um município no Sul do Brasil / Desigualdades en multimorbilidad entre ancianos: estudio basado en la población de una ciudad del sur de Brasil

Lower socioeconomic level is positively related to multimorbidity and it is possible that the clustering of health conditions carries the same association. The aim of this study was to identify prevalence of multimorbidity and clusters of health conditions among elderly, as well the underlying socioeconomic inequalities. This was a cross-sectional population-based study carried out with 60-year-old individuals. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of 2+, 3+, 4+ or 5+ health conditions in the same individual. Schooling levels and the National Economic Index were used to investigate inequalities in the prevalence of multimorbidities among elderly. Slope and concentration indexes of inequality were used to evaluate absolute and relative differences. A factorial analysis was performed to identify disease clusters. In every ten older adults, about nine, eight, seven and six presented, respectvely, 2+, 3+, 4+ and 5+ health conditions. Three clusters of health conditions were found, involving musculoskeletal/mental/functional disorders, cardiometabolic, and respiratory factors. Higher inequalities were found the higher amount of health conditions (5+), when considering economic level, and for 3+, 4+ and 5+, when considering educational level. These findings show high multimorbidity prevalence among elderly, highlighting the persistence of health inequalities in Southern Brazil. Strategies by the health services need to focus on elderly at lower socioeconomic levels.

O nível socioeconômico baixo está relacionado diretamente à multimorbidade, e é possível que a aglomeração de morbidades apresente a mesma associação. O estudo teve como objetivo identificar a prevalência da multimorbidade e de clusters de morbidades entre idosos, além das desigualdades socioeconômicas subjacentes. Este foi um estudo transversal de base populacional em indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais. Multimorbidade foi definida como a presença de 2+, 3+, 4+ ou 5+ condições de saúde no mesmo indíviduo. O nível de escolaridade e o Índice Econômico Nacional foram usados para medir desigualdades na prevalência de multimorbidade entre idosos. Foram utilizados os índices de desigualdades slope e concentration para avaliar as diferenças absolutas e relativas. A análise fatorial foi realizada para identificar clusters de doenças. Em cada dez idosos, nove, oito, sete e seis apresentavam 2+, 3+, 4+ e 5+ condições de saúde, respectivamente. Foram identificados três clusters de morbidades, correspondendo aos transtornos musculoesqueléticos/mentais/funcionais e doenças cardiometabólicas e respiratórias. Maiores desigualdades foram encontradas para o maior número de condições de saúde (5+), considerando nível economômico, e para 3+, 4+ e 5+, considerando nível de escolaridade. Os achados revelam a alta prevalência de multimorbidade entre idosos, destacando a persistência de desigualdades de saúde no Sul do Brasil. As estratégias dos serviços de saúde devem priorizar os idosos de nível socioeconômico mais baixo.

Un nivel socioeconómico más bajo está positivamente relacionado con la multimorbilidad y es posible que la acumulación de estos problemas de salud provenga de esta misma asociación. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la prevalencia de multimorbilidad y los grupos de afecciones de salud entre ancianos, así como sus inequidades socioeconómicas subyacentes. Se trata de un estudio transversal, basado en población, que se llevó a cabo con personas de 60 años. Multimorbilidad se definió como la presencia de 2+, 3+, 4+ ó 5+ condiciones de salud en el mismo individuo. Los niveles de escolaridad y el Índice Económico Nacional fueron utilizados para investigar inequidades en la prevalencia de multimorbilidad entre ancianos. Los índices de inequidad slope y concentration se usaron para evaluar las diferencias absolutas y relativas. Se realizó un análisis factorial para identificar los grupos de enfermedades. En cada diez ancianos, nueve, ocho, siete y seis tenían 2+, 3+, 4+ y 5+ condiciones de salud, respectivamente. Se encontraron tres grupos de afecciones de salud, que conllevaban enfermedades musculoesquelético/mental/funcionales, cardiometabólicas, además de factores respiratorios. Se encontraron mayores desigualdades para el mayor número de condiciones de salud (5+), cuando se consideraba el nivel económico, y para 3+, 4+ y 5+, cuando se tenía en consideración el nivel educativo. Estos hallazgos mostraron una alta prevalencia de multimorbilidad entre adultos de avanzada edad, resaltando la persistencia de inequidades de salud en el sur de Brasil. Las estrategias por parte de los servicios de salud necesitan centrarse en ancianos con niveles socioeconómicos más bajos.

[Simultaneity of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases in the elderly in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil]. / Simultaneidade de fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis entre idosos da zona urbana de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

This study aimed to describe the simultaneity of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases among the elderly (≤ 60 years) in a city in Southern Brazil. This was a cross-sectional, population-based study of 1,451 elderly in 2013. Cluster analysis was applied to selected risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, excess weight, and physical inactivity). Logistic regression was used to assess the association between simultaneity of risk factors and socio-demographic variables. The most frequent cluster in men (18.1%) and women (30.7%) was physical inactivity + excess weight. The cluster alcohol consumption + excess weight exceeded the expected level in men (O/E = 1.27; 95%CI: 1.01; 1.59) and women (O/E = 1.72; 95%CI: 1.35; 2.20). The presence of two or more risk factors in the elderly population (88.1%) points to the need for specific interventions for this population to fight risk factors simultaneously rather than separately.

Physical activity levels objectively measured among older adults: a population-based study in a Southern city of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Low levels of physical activity are currently observed in all age groups around the world. Among older adults physical activity is even lower, potentially influencing quality of life, incidence of diseases and premature mortality. The aim of this study was to describe objectively measured physical activity levels among older adults residents in a Southern city of Brazil. METHODS: A population-based study was carried out including people aged 60+ years living in the urban area of Pelotas. Face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measures and triaxial accelerometry (non-dominant wrist) were used to collect sociodemographic, anthropometric and physical activity, respectively. For descriptive purposes, overall physical activity was expressed as daily averages of acceleration. Time spent in light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using different bout criteria (non-bouted, and in 1-, 5- and 10-min bouts) were calculated. Crude and adjusted analyses were performed using simple linear regression to examine the association between physical activity and exposure variables. RESULTS: Overall, 971 individuals provided valid accelerometry data. Women spent on average more time on LPA (136.2 vs. 127.6 min per day). Men and women respectively accumulated, in average, 64.5 and 56.7 min per day of non-bouted MVPA, while these daily averages were 14.9 and 9.46 min using 5-min, and 8.1 and 4.5 min using 10-min bout MVPA. In adjusted analyses, men aged 80 years or more spent in average 45 min less LPA per day when compared to men 60-69 years and, among women, this difference was 65 min. Considering time in 5-min MVPA bouts, the youngest age group and those with a better self-perceived health accumulated more MVPA. Specifically among men, socioeconomic status was inversely associated with 5-min bout MVPA. CONCLUSION: The present study showed low levels of physical activity among Brazilian older adults, even lower in more advanced ages, and a different pattern for physical activity intensity between men and women.

Simultaneidade de fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis entre idosos da zona urbana de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Simultaneity of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases in the elderly in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil / Simultaneidad de factores de riesgo para enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles entre ancianos de la zona urbana de Pelotas, Río Grande do Sul, Brasil

Resumo: O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a simultaneidade de fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em idosos (60 anos ou mais), residentes em uma cidade do Sul do Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, de base populacional, realizado em 1.451 idosos em 2013. Com uma abordagem de análise de clusters, foi avaliado o agrupamento entre os fatores de risco em estudo (tabagismo, consumo de álcool, excesso de peso e inatividade física). Para a avaliação da associação da simultaneidade dos fatores de risco com variáveis sociodemográficas, foi utilizada regressão logística. O agrupamento mais frequente entre os homens (18,1%) e mulheres (30,7%) foi inatividade física + excesso de peso. As combinações consumo de álcool + excesso de peso excederam o esperado entre os homens (O/E = 1,27; IC95%: 1,01; 1,59) e mulheres (O/E = 1,72; IC95%: 1,35; 2,20). A presença de dois ou mais fatores de risco na população idosa (88,1%) aponta para a necessidade de intervenções específicas para esta população voltadas ao combate simultâneo dos fatores de risco e não de forma isolada.

Abstract: This study aimed to describe the simultaneity of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases among the elderly (≤ 60 years) in a city in Southern Brazil. This was a cross-sectional, population-based study of 1,451 elderly in 2013. Cluster analysis was applied to selected risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, excess weight, and physical inactivity). Logistic regression was used to assess the association between simultaneity of risk factors and socio-demographic variables. The most frequent cluster in men (18.1%) and women (30.7%) was physical inactivity + excess weight. The cluster alcohol consumption + excess weight exceeded the expected level in men (O/E = 1.27; 95%CI: 1.01; 1.59) and women (O/E = 1.72; 95%CI: 1.35; 2.20). The presence of two or more risk factors in the elderly population (88.1%) points to the need for specific interventions for this population to fight risk factors simultaneously rather than separately.

Resumen: El objetivo del estudio fue describir la simultaneidad de factores de riesgo para enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en ancianos (60 años o más), residentes en una ciudad del Sur de Brasil. Se trata de un estudio transversal, de base poblacional, realizado en 1.451 ancianos en 2013. Con un enfoque de análisis de clusters, fue evaluado el agrupamiento entre los factores de riesgo en un estudio (tabaquismo, consumo de alcohol, exceso de peso e inactividad física). Para la evaluación de la asociación de la simultaneidad de los factores de riesgo con variables sociodemográficas, se utilizó la regresión logística. El agrupamiento más frecuente entre los hombres (18.1%) y mujeres (30,7%) fue inactividad física + exceso de peso. Las combinaciones consumo de alcohol + exceso de peso excedieron lo esperado entre los hombres (O/E = 1,27; IC95%: 1,01; 1,59) y mujeres (O/E = 1,72; IC95%: 1,35; 2,20). La presencia de dos o más factores de riesgo en la población anciana (88,1%) apunta la necesidad de intervenciones específicas para esta población dirigidas al combate simultáneo de los factores de riesgo y no de forma aislada.

Physical activity throughout adolescence and body composition at 18 years: 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a period of accelerated development and increases in body composition. Physical activity (PA) practice has been associated with the development of major components of body composition (bone, muscle and fat). However, the longitudinal effects of PA of different intensities during adolescence are still not well understood. Thus, the main goal this study has investigate the association between practice of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity throughout adolescence and body composition, specifically lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM), at age 18. METHODS: In this cohort study, physical activity was measured at 11, 15 and 18 years, using questionnaires. Thresholds of 300, 150 and 75 min per week, were used for MVPA, moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity, respectively. Consistent physical activity was defined as reaching the thresholds at the three follow-ups. FM and LM at age 18 were assessed by DXA and expressed as fat mass (FMI) and lean mass (LMI) indexes. To verify the association between the trajectories of MVPA, moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity in adolescence and FM and LM at 18, multivariate analyses were performed through multiple linear regressions adjusted for co-variables. RESULTS: A total of 3,176 adolescents were evaluated. The consistent practice of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity according to thresholds during adolescence were directly related to the LMI in boys (moderate-intensity - ß = 0.40 and CI95 % 0.13; 0.68 and vigorous-intensity - ß = 0.95 and CI95 % 0.69; 1.21) and girls (Moderate-intensity - ß = 0.23 and CI95 % 0.02; 0.45 and vigorous-intensity - ß = 0.80 and CI95 % 0.29; 1.32). Practice of vigorous-intensity physical activity alone showed to be inversely associated with the FMI in boys (ß = -0.53 and CI95 % -0.96;-0.10). CONCLUSION: Consistent physical activity practice during adolescence was associated with greater lean mass in both sexes. In boys, vigorous-intensity physical activity was associated with less fat mass.

Longitudinal Association Between Physical Activity and Body Fat During Adolescence: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) practice has been inversely associated to body fat (BF) and recommended as a way to reduce and prevent obesity. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the association of PA and BF in adolescence. METHODS: The review includes 18 longitudinal studies found in the PubMed database, comprising papers published from January 1990 to July 2014. Studies assessing BF only through body mass index were excluded. RESULTS: Among the outcomes analyzed, waist circumference, skinfolds, and absolute and relative fat mass measurement were identified. Questionnaires were the more predominant way to evaluate PA. Most studies showed that PA promotes a protective effect against a higher BF gain. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that PA has a protective effect against BF with differences between the genders and according to the BF marker or measurement assessed; higher intensity PA leads to a greater effect against BF gain in both genders; and the maintenance or increase of PA level on BF observed through analysis of change in PA level yielded more consistent findings in the relation between PA and BF.

Longitudinal and cross-sectional associations of physical activity with triglyceride and HDLc levels in young male adults.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between physical activity and triglyceride and HDLc levels in young male adults. METHODS: We used information about males belonging 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Physical activity in 4 domains (leisure time, transportation, household, and occupation) was assessed by self-report in participants of the cohort at ages of 18 and 23 years. Subjects were active if reached the recommendation of 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity. At 23 years of age, blood sample was collected, and triglycerides and HDLc levels estimated. Multivariate linear and Poisson regression were used to adjust the estimates for confounders. RESULTS: Males who were inactive at 18 and active at 23 years had 41% lower risk (ß = 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.40; 0.89) for borderline-high triglycerides (≥ 150 mg/dL) as compared with those who were inactive at both follow-ups. No association was found between changes of physical activity and HDLc level. In cross-sectional analyses, greater HDLc levels were found in active subjects in 4 domains, whereas there was no difference in HDL levels according physical activity during leisure time. CONCLUSION: Becoming active from adolescence to early adulthood reduced the risk for high triglycerides. Current physical activity was associated with greater HDLc levels.

[Methodological description of accelerometry for measuring physical activity in the 1993 and 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohorts]. / Descrição metodológica do uso de acelerometria para mensurar a prática de atividade física nas coortes de nascimentos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 1993 e 2004.

The aim of this study was to characterize the methodology of data collection on physical activity using accelerometry in two birth cohorts (2004 and 1993) in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, at the 6-7 and 18-year follow-up visits, respectively. During visits to the study headquarters for a health evaluation, cohort subjects received the accelerometer to be worn on the wrist for 5 to 8 days, after which the device was retrieved at their homes. Genea and GENEActiv triaxial estimators of gravity (g) acceleration were employed. Accelerometry data were collected from 3,331 children (93.7% of those included in follow-up) and 3,816 adolescents (99% of those in follow-up). The study characterizes the data collection methodology in more than 7,000 individuals and discusses issues in its implementation. It thus provides a methodological framework aimed at helping to plan future population-based studies with the use of such technology and to improve understanding of physical activity in the context of epidemiological studies.

Descrição metodológica do uso de acelerometria para mensurar a prática de atividade física nas coortes de nascimentos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 1993 e 2004 / Methodological description of accelerometry for measuring physical activity in the 1993 and 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohorts / Descripción metodológica del uso de acelerómetros para medir la actividad física en las cohortes de nacimiento de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 1993 y 2004

O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar a metodologia de coleta de atividade física por meio de acelerometria nas coortes de nascidos em 2004 e 1993 em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, nos acompanhamentos dos 6-7 e 18 anos, respectivamente. Ao visitarem a sede para um amplo estudo de saúde, esses indivíduos receberam o acelerômetro e a posterior busca foi realizada no domicílio por meio de motociclistas da equipe de pesquisa. Os modelos utilizados foram o GENEA e GENEActiv, estimadores triaxiais da aceleração da gravidade (g), utilizados no punho de crianças e adolescentes por um período de 5 a 8 dias. O número de indivíduos com dados de acelerometria nas coortes foi de 3.331 crianças (93,7% do acompanhamento) e 3.816 jovens (92,9% do acompanhamento). Ao caracterizarmos a coleta de acelerometria em mais de 7.000 indivíduos, apresenta-se um arcabouço metodológico para o planejamento de novos estudos populacionais no tema, descrevendo situações específicas dessa experiência e qualificando a compreensão da atividade física no contexto de estudos epidemiológicos.

The aim of this study was to characterize the methodology of data collection on physical activity using accelerometry in two birth cohorts (2004 and 1993) in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, at the 6-7 and 18-year follow-up visits, respectively. During visits to the study headquarters for a health evaluation, cohort subjects received the accelerometer to be worn on the wrist for 5 to 8 days, after which the device was retrieved at their homes. Genea and GENEActiv triaxial estimators of gravity (g) acceleration were employed. Accelerometry data were collected from 3,331 children (93.7% of those included in follow-up) and 3,816 adolescents (99% of those in follow-up). The study characterizes the data collection methodology in more than 7,000 individuals and discusses issues in its implementation. It thus provides a methodological framework aimed at helping to plan future population-based studies with the use of such technology and to improve understanding of physical activity in the context of epidemiological studies.

El objetivo de este estudio es caracterizar la metodología de recolección de la actividad física por acelerometría en las cohortes de nacidos en 2004 y 1993 en Pelotas, Río Grande do Sul, Brasil, en un seguimiento de 6-7 y 18, respectivamente. Al visitar la sede de un centro de salud general, estos sujetos recibieron el acelerómetro y la posterior encuesta en el domicilio se llevó a cabo por los responsables del equipo de investigación. Los modelos utilizados fueron el Genea y GENEActiv, estimadores triaxiales de la aceleración de la gravedad (g), que se utilizaron en niños y adolescentes durante un período de 5 a 8 días. El número de individuos con datos de acelerometría en las cohortes fue de 3.331 niños (93,7% de seguimiento) y 3.816 jóvenes (92,9% de seguimiento). Con el fin de caracterizar la recolección de acelerometría en más de 7.000 individuos, se presenta un marco metodológico para el diseño de nuevos estudios de población sobre el tema, describiendo situaciones específicas de la experiencia y calificando la comprensión de la actividad física en el contexto de los estudios epidemiológicos.

Overweight/obesity and physical fitness among children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Physical fitness is strongly associated with several positive health indicators among adolescents. However, its association with body mass index status is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to explore the association between overweight/obesity and physical fitness among children and adolescents. METHODS: The design consisted of a cross-sectional study comprising 519 Brazilian students age 7 to 15 years. BMI status was assessed according to sex- and age-specific growth charts. Physical fitness was assessed using 8 tests: sit-and-reach, stationary long jump, 1-minute curl-up, modified pull-up, medicine-ball throw, 9-minute run, 20-m run, and 4-m shuttle-run. RESULTS: Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 24% and 12%, respectively. Boys performed better than girls in all tests, except flexibility. Normal weight students performed better than overweight and obese students in all tests, except the sit-and-reach and the medicine-ball throw. Cardiorespiratory fitness had the strongest association with BMI status. The prevalence of obese subjects classified as "most fit" was less than 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Higher values of body mass index were associated with declines in physical fitness, independent of age. The majority of obese children and adolescents and almost a half of those overweight were classified in the third tertile of physical fitness (least fit).

Aptidão física relacionada ao desempenho motor em escolares de sete a 15 anos / Physical fitness related to motor performance in scholars aged seven to 15 years

Os benefícios do desenvolvimento da aptidão física sobre a saúde estão bem evidenciados na literatura científica. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever a aptidão física relacionada ao desempenho motor de crianças e adolescentes e examinar as diferenças de acordo com sexo, idade, tipo de escola (pública ou privada) e região geográfica da escola (urbana ou rural). Uma bateria de cinco testes motores foi aplicada a 526 alunos entre sete e 15 anos do ensino fundamental de Rio Grande, RS: salto em distância parado, arremesso de "medicine-ball", barra modificada, corrida de 20 metros e quadrado. Os resultados apontam que o desempenho em todos os testes foi superior para os rapazes e aumentou diretamente com a faixa etária. Estes foram os principais preditores da aptidão física dentre as variáveis examinadas. O tipo de escola só teve influência sobre o desempenho no teste de arremesso de "medicine-ball", em que alunos da rede privada obtiveram valores médios maiores. Escolares da zona urbana atingiram um melhor desempenho em todos os testes, exceto no teste de barra modificada (sem diferença por região geográfica). A realização de pesquisas com o mesmo enfoque em outras regiões do Brasil permitirá explorar a consistência destes achados e compreender possíveis diferenças.

There is strong evidence regarding the benefits of physical fitness development upon health. The aim of this study was to describe the physical fitness related to motor performance in children and adolescents, and to examine if there are differences according to sex, age, type of school (public or private) and geographic region (urban or rural). A battery comprising of five motor tests were administered to 526 students aged seven to 15 years from elementary schools of Rio Grande, Brazil: stationary long jump, medicine-ball throw, modified pull-up, 20-meter run and 4-meter shuttle-run. The results indicate that the performance in all tests were higher among boys and increased directly with age group. These two factors (sex and age) were the main predictors of physical fitness amongst the investigated variables. Type of school influenced only the performance in the medicine-ball throw, being higher for students from private schools. Students from urban zone achieved a better performance in all tests, except in the modified pull-up, in which there was no difference between geographic regions. The development of researches with the same approach in other Brazilian regions will allow evaluating the consistency of these findings and understanding possible differences.

Associação entre gordura corporal relativa e índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura, razão cintura-quadril e razão cintura-estatura em adultos jovens / Associaton between relative body fat and body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and height-to-hip ratio in young adults

Os objetivos deste estudo foram 1) comparar o percentual de gordura corporal, estimado pela mensuração de pregas cutâneas, com quatro indicadores antropométricos (índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura, razão cintura-quadril e razão cintura-estatura); 2) gerar equações de predição do percentual de gordura a partir de cada um dos quatro indicadores antropométricos examinados; 3) testar a validade concorrente do percentual de gordura obtido por pregas cutâneas versus o percentual predito pela equação de Deurenberg (1991). As variáveis que demonstraram maior associação com o percentual de gordura foram circunferência da cintura (homens) e IMC (mulheres), com coeficientes de determinação (R²) de aproximadamente 60%. O percentual de gordura predito pela equação de Deurenberg superestimou o percentual de gordura predito por pregas cutâneas em cerca de dois pontos percentuais (IC95%: 1,3 a 2,9). Com exceção da razão cintura-quadril para as mulheres, todos os quatro indicadores antropométricos analisados apresentaram associação positiva com o percentual de gordura.

The aims of this study were 1) to compare the body fat percentage, estimated through the measurement of skinfolds, with four anthropometric indicators (body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-stature ratio); 2) to generate prediction equations to relative body fat from each one of the examined anthropometric indicators; 3) to test the concurrent validity of relative body fat obtained by skinfolds versus those obtained by the Deurenberg`s equation (1991). The variables most associated with relative body fat among men and women were, respectively, waist circumference and BMI, with determinant coefficients (R²) of approximately 60%. Relative body fat predicted by Deurenberg`s equation overestimated those predicted by means of skinfolds in about two percentage points (95%CI: 1.3 to 2.9). All but one (waist-to-hip among women) of the four anthropometric indicators showed a positive association with body fat percentage.