[ relationship between cardiovascular fitness and physical activity with obesity and changes in their pattern among 12-16 year-old boys]

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at determining the association between cardiovascular fitness and physical activity with obesity and changes in their patterns among 12-16 year-old boys. In this cross-sectional study, 275 boy students, 12-16 year-old; from Bardaskan city were investigated. Subjects were selected via random sampling. Underweight, overweight and obesity status were evaluated based on the 5[th], 85[th] and 95[th] percentiles of body mass index [BMI] for age and sex based on the United States' Center for Disease Control [CDC 2000] standards. Physical activity levels were estimated by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children [PAQ-C]. Cardiovascular fitness [VO2max] was assessed by a 20 m shuttle run test. Overall prevalence's of underweight, overweight and obesity among subjects were 3.6%, 10.5% and 4.7% respectively. There was significant positive correlation between physical activity level and cardiovascular fitness. Cardiovascular fitness and physical activity levels decreased significantly with aging. The overweight and obesity groups had lower levels of cardiovascular fitness than the normal and underweight groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the overweight-obese and the non overweight groups in physical activity levels. Moreover, There was a significant negative correlation between physical activity and cardiovascular fitness levels and subjects' BMIs. Considering the in adequate levels of cardiovascular fitness and physical activity in overweight and obese boys, programs increasing physical activity [endurance exercise], and diet and weight control are recommended for these groups