Adolescents who practice physical activity have adequate food choices, regardless of the level of somatic maturation and adiposity.

OBJECTIVES: Regular physical activity and adequate food are part of a healthy lifestyle for the maintenance of physical and metabolic health. To verify the moderating role of physical activity (PA) in the relationship between dietary patterns and body adiposity in adolescents, according to somatic maturation. METHODS: Study with cross-sectional design, sample of 336 adolescents of both sexes, aged between 11 and 17 years. Body mass, height, and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score (BMI-z), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and somatic maturation by peak height velocity (PHV) were calculated. The level of PA was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and dietary pattern by the Food Frequency Questionnaire ELSA - Brazil (short version). Moderation analyzes were tested using multiple linear regression models, by PROCESS macro for SPSS. RESULTS: An inverse interaction of PA was observed in the relationship between food consumption factor 5 (ultra-processed foods category) and WC in boys categorized as pre-pubertal and pubertal PHV (ß=-5.344; CI95 % -10.108 -0.580; p=0.028). For girls, no interaction was observed in any of the models analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that the level of PA can influence food choices in prepubertal and pubertal boys, since the active boys showed better dietary pattern and lower central adiposity. Therefore, the findings reinforce the need to encourage the regular practice of physical activities from an early age, mainly aimed at preventing obesity in children and adolescents.

Family history of arterial hypertension and central adiposity: impact on blood pressure in schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: A family history of arterial hypertension is an important risk factor for arterial hypertension. This study aimed to verify the mediating role of high central adiposity in the relationship between family history of arterial hypertension and blood pressure in schoolchildren. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 118 schoolchildren of both sexes aged between 11 and 17 years. Weight, height, waist circumference and body mass index z score were verified. Somatic maturation was predicted by age for peak growth velocity. The family history of arterial hypertension was verified and defined as hypertensive schoolchildren with systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure. Mediation analysis was used with linear regression models applied by PROCESS macro for SPSS (version 22.0), with significance p < 0.05. RESULTS: It was observed that 34.7% of the students have family history of arterial hypertension, 36% of the girls and 44.2% of the boys have arterial hypertension. In girls, the relationship between waist circumference and systolic blood pressure was direct (ß = 0.535 p = 0.005), and those with a family history of arterial hypertension and who had a waist circumference greater than those without a family history of arterial hypertension was significant (ß = -5,437 p = 0.009). Likewise, the relationship between family history of arterial hypertension and systolic blood pressure was attenuated when waist circumference was included in the model (ß = -5.544; p = 0.103), indicating waist circumference as a mediator with an influence percentage of 19%. For boys, waist circumference is not a mediator of the relationship between family history of arterial hypertension and blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated central adiposity was a mediator of the relationship between family history of arterial hypertension and high blood pressure in girls, indicating the importance of family health strategies in the prevention and management of arterial hypertension in children and adolescents.

Family History of Hypertension: Impact on Blood Pressure, Anthropometric Measurements and Physical Activity Level in Schoolchildren

Abstract Background: A family history of arterial hypertension (AH), combined with environmental risk factors, is directly related to the development of AH. Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of AH, anthropometric indicators and level of physical activity and their association with a family history (FH) of AH in school children. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 118 students, aged between 11 and 17 years, of both sexes. Waist circumference (WC), weight, height, level of physical activity and FH of HA were collected. Body mass index z score (BMI-z) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Binary logistic regression model was used to verify the chance risk, with significance p <0.05. Results: Of the 118 parents who answered the questionnaire, 34.7% had a positive FH of AH. Girls with a positive FH had higher means of WC (p= 0,004), BMI (p=0,020), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=0,006) than boys, and a higher risk of being overweight (OR=4,48; 95%CI:1,55-12,94), and having elevated WHtR (OR=5.98; 95%CI:1.66- 21.47) and SBP (OR=3,07; 95%CI:1,03-9,13) than girls without a FH, but they practice more vigorours moderate physical activity (MVPA) (p=0,039). On the other hand, no differences in these parameters were observed between boys with and without a FM of AH. Conclusion: Overweight and a FH of hypertension were associated with an increased risk for AH in girls. This was not observed among boys, perhaps due to more active lifestyle.

Comparison between girls and boys lifestyle profile and physical activity / Comparação do perfil de estilo de vida e a prática de atividade física entre meninas e meninos

The aim of this study was to compare lifestyle profile and physical activity between girls and boys. A total of 336 students 11 to 17 years old participated in the study (51.5% female). Height, body mass, sexual maturation and z-score body mass index (BMI-z) were assessed. The level of physical activity (PA) was determined through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Lifestyle was assessed using the Individual Lifestyle Profile questionnaire (PEVI), computing the total scores from five components and considering the following cutoff points: >30 points = favorable PEVI; and ≤30 points = unfavorable PEVI. Results showed 35.1% of the students were considered overweight, 74.78% did not comply with the recommendations for physical activity and 31.5% presented unfa-vorable PEVI. There was a difference between boys and girls in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p = 0.048). Boys presented better lifestyle (p = 0.06) and had, on average, more light PA (p < 0.01), moderate PA (p < 0.01), vigorous PA (p < 0.01) and MVPA (p < 0.01) than girls. Girls with favorable PEVI had higher average levels of light PA than those with unfavorable PEVI (p < 0.001). It was concluded that boys are more active during the week when compared to girls. However, they also present fewer concerns with preventive behaviors and relationships. Light PA was higher in girls with a favorable lifestyle profile

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o perfil de estilo de vida e a prática de atividade física entre meninas e meninos. Participaram do estudo 336 escolares, de 11 a 17 anos de de idade (51,5% sexo feminino). Foram avaliados a estatura, massa corporal, maturação sexual e índice de massa corporal escore z (IMC-z). O nível de atividade física (AF) foi analisado pelo International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). O estilo de vida foi avaliado por meio do questionário Perfil do Estilo de Vida Individual (PEVI), analisando o total de escores dos cinco componentes, considerando-se como pontos de corte: >30 pontos = PEVI favorável e ≤30 pontos = PEVI desfavorável. Observou-se que 35,1% dos escolares foram considerados acima do peso, 74,78% não cumprem as recomendações de atividade física e 31,5% apresentaram PEVI desfavorável. Existiu diferença entre meninos e meninas para a prática de atividade física moderada e vigorosa (AFMV ) (p = 0,048). Os meninos apresentaram melhor estilo de vida (p = 0,06) e praticam em média mais AF leve (p < 0,01), AF moderada (p < 0,01), AF vigorosa (p < 0,01) e AFMV (p < 0,01) do que meninas. Enquanto as meninas com PEVI favorável praticam em média mais AF leve do que aquelas com PEVI desfavorável (p < 0,001). Concluiu-se que meninos praticam mais AF na semana em relação às meninas, entretanto possuem menor preocupação com comportamentos preventivos e relacionamentos. A prática de AF leve foi maior em meninas com perfil de estilo de vida favorável

Hypertensive Measures In Schoolchildren: Risk Of Central Obesity And Protective Effect Of Moderate-To-Vigorous Physical Activity. / Medidas Hipertensivas em Escolares: Risco da Obesidade Central e Efeito Protetor da Atividade Física Moderada-Vigorosa.

Background The proportion of arterial hypertension (AH) has increased in children and adolescents and is associated with several comorbidities. Objective To verify the association of arterial hypertension with central and general obesity as well as according to the level of physical activity in schoolchildren. Methods 336 children and adolescents aged 11 to 17 participated in the study. Height, body weight, waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure (BP) were measured. The body mass index z-score (BMI-z) was calculated. The level of physical activity was assessed by the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) according to the practice of moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (AF-mv). Students with systolic (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) higher than the 95thpercentile according to sex, age and height or ≥120/80 were considered hypertensive. Statistical tests of t-Student, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and binary logistic regression model were used, considering the significance level of p<0.05. Results It was found that 40.5% of the students had AH, 35.11% were overweight (12.5% obese), 13.39% had high WC and 40.2% were considered insufficiently active in AF-mv. The chances of AH were related to high WC (OR = 6.11; 95% CI: 2.59¬-14.42) and overweight (OR = 2.91; 95% CI: 1.76-4.79). In addition, adolescents who practiced AF-mv had a lower risk of high DBP (OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.15-0.72). Conclusion Central obesity was the best predictor of AH in children and adolescents, as well as general obesity and males. The practice of AF-mv demonstrated a protective effect on high DBP in schoolchildren. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(1):42-49).

Medidas Hipertensivas em Escolares: Risco da Obesidade Central e Efeito Protetor da Atividade Física Moderada-Vigorosa / Hypertensive Measures In Schoolchildren: Risk Of Central Obesity And Protective Effect Of Moderate-To-Vigorous Physical Activity

Resumo Fundamento Aumento da prevalência de hipertensão arterial (HA) em crianças e adolescentes e sua associação com diversas comorbidades. Objetivo Verificar a associação de HA, obesidade central e obesidade geral, e nível de atividade física em escolares. Métodos Participaram do estudo 336 crianças e adolescentes, de 11 a 17 anos de idade. Aferiram-se estatura, peso corporal, circunferência da cintura (CC) e pressão arterial (PA). Foi calculado o índice de massa corporal escore z (IMC-z). O nível de atividade física foi avaliado pela versão curta do International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), conforme a prática em atividades físicas moderadas-vigorosas (AF-mv). Consideraram-se hipertensos os escolares que apresentaram pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e/ou diastólica (PAD) superiores ao percentil 95, de acordo com sexo, faixa etária e estatura, ou ≥120×80mmHg. Utilizaram-se os testes estatísticos de t-Student , Qui-quadrado, Mann-Whitney e modelo de regressão logistica binária, considerando-se o nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados Foram observados que 40,5% dos escolares apresentaram HA, 35,11% excesso de peso (12,5% obesos), 13,39% CC elevada e 40,2% foram considerados insuficientemente ativos em AF-mv. As chances de HA foram relacionadas à CC elevada (OR=6,11; IC95%:2,59 a 14,42) e ao excesso de peso (OR=2,91; IC95%:1,76 a 4,79). Além disso, os adolescentes que praticavam AF-mv apresentaram menor risco de PAD elevada (OR=0,33; IC95%:0,15 a 0,72). Conclusão Concluiu-se que a obesidade central, a obesidade geral e o sexo masculino foram os melhores preditores de HA em crianças e adolescentes. A prática de AF-mv demonstrou efeito protetor na PAD elevada em escolares. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(1):42-49)

Abstract Background The proportion of arterial hypertension (AH) has increased in children and adolescents and is associated with several comorbidities. Objective To verify the association of arterial hypertension with central and general obesity as well as according to the level of physical activity in schoolchildren. Methods 336 children and adolescents aged 11 to 17 participated in the study. Height, body weight, waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure (BP) were measured. The body mass index z-score (BMI-z) was calculated. The level of physical activity was assessed by the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) according to the practice of moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (AF-mv). Students with systolic (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) higher than the 95thpercentile according to sex, age and height or ≥120/80 were considered hypertensive. Statistical tests of t-Student, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and binary logistic regression model were used, considering the significance level of p<0.05. Results It was found that 40.5% of the students had AH, 35.11% were overweight (12.5% obese), 13.39% had high WC and 40.2% were considered insufficiently active in AF-mv. The chances of AH were related to high WC (OR = 6.11; 95% CI: 2.59¬-14.42) and overweight (OR = 2.91; 95% CI: 1.76-4.79). In addition, adolescents who practiced AF-mv had a lower risk of high DBP (OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.15-0.72). Conclusion Central obesity was the best predictor of AH in children and adolescents, as well as general obesity and males. The practice of AF-mv demonstrated a protective effect on high DBP in schoolchildren. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(1):42-49)

C-reactive protein, physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in Portuguese adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

The goal of this study was to investigate the association of physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness with C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in adolescents. The sample included 386 Portuguese adolescents (n = 207, female), age 12-18 years, assessed in the year 2012. The PA was assessed with the use of accelerometers, and the cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the Fitnessgram Pacer test. Blood samples were collected after a 10-hour fasting, and high-sensitivity PCR concentration was further assessed. Significant associations between CRP and cardiorespiratory fitness were found for females (r = -0.313; p < 0.001) and males (r = -0.163; p < 0.05); however, when adjusted by the BMI, the associations remained significant only for females (r = -0.215; p < 0.001). Regarding the association between CRP and PA, no significant associations were found for both genders. Therefore, CRP is apparently negatively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, with differences between males and females; for females it seems less dependent than BMI.

Proteína C-reativa, atividade física e aptidão cardiorrespiratória em adolescentes portugueses: um estudo transversal / Proteína C-reactiva, actividad física y la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria en adolescentes portugueses: un estudio transversal / C-reactive protein, physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in Portuguese adolescents: a cross-sectional study

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação da atividade física (AF) e aptidão cardiorrespiratória com os níveis de concentração proteína C-reativa (PCR) em adolescentes. Fizeram parte da amostra 386 adolescentes Portugueses (n = 207, feminino), de 12-18 anos avaliados no ano de 2012. AF foi avaliada com acelerômetros e a aptidão cardiorrespiratória pelo teste de Vai- e-vem da bateria de testes fitnessgram. Amostras sanguíneas foram obtidas após jejum de 10 horas e posteriormente avaliaram-se os níveis de concentração de PCR por alta sensibilidade. Foram encontradas associações significativas entre a PCR e a aptidão cardiorrespiratória no gênero feminino (r = -0,313; p < 0.001) e masculino (r = -0,163; p < 0,05), porém quando ajustadas pelo IMC essas associações permaneceram significativas apenas no gênero feminino (r = -0,215; p < 0,001). Para associações entre PCR e AF não se encontraram associações estatisticamente significativas em ambos os gêneros. Assim a PCR aparentemente se associa de forma negativa com a aptidão cardiorrespiratória, mas de forma diferenciada em função do gênero, sendo que no feminino parece menos dependente do IMC.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la asociación entre la actividad física (AF) y la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria con niveles de concentración de proteína C-reactiva (PCR) en adolescentes. La muestra estuvo conformada por 386 adolescentes portugueses (n = 207, femenino), de 12-18 años, evaluados en el año 2012. La AF se evaluó mediante acelerómetros y la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria se evaluó por el test de Leger de 20 metros. Las muestras de sangre se obtuvieron después de 10 horas de ayuno, y luego se evaluaron los niveles de concentración de PCR de alta sensibilidad. Se encontraron asociaciones significativas entre la PCR y aptitud cardiorrespiratoria en el género femenino (r = -0,313; p < 0,001) y masculino (r = -0,163; p < 0,05), pero cuando se ajustan por el IMC estas asociaciones se mantuvieron sólo significativas en el género femenino (r = -0,215; p < 0,001). Para las asociaciones entre la PCR y la AF no mostraron una asociación estadísticamente significativa en ambos géneros. Así, aparentemente la PCR se asoció negativamente con la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria, pero de manera diferente según el género, siendo que en el femenino parece ser menos dependiente del IMC.

The goal of this study was to investigate the association of physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness with C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in adolescents. The sample included 386 Portuguese adolescents (n = 207, female), age 12-18 years, assessed in the year 2012. The PA was assessed with the use of accelerometers, and the cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the Fitnessgram Pacer test. Blood samples were collected after a 10-hour fasting, and high-sensitivity PCR concentration was further assessed. Significant associations between CRP and cardiorespiratory fitness were found for females (r = -0.313; p < 0.001) and males (r = -0.163; p < 0.05); however, when adjusted by the BMI, the associations remained significant only for females (r = -0.215; p < 0.001). Regarding the association between CRP and PA, no significant associations were found for both genders. Therefore, CRP is apparently negatively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, with differences between males and females; for females it seems less dependent than BMI.

Objectively measured physical activity and body mass index in preschool children.

Aim. To examine the association between objectively measured physical activity (PA) and body mass index (BMI) in preschool children. Methods. The study comprised 281 children (55.9% boys) aged from 4 to 6 years. PA was measured by accelerometer. Children were categorized as non-overweight (NOW) and overweight/obese (OW) according to the sex-adjusted BMI z-score (<1 and >/=1, resp.). Results. Total and moderate intensity PA were not associated with BMI. We observed that a higher proportion of OW children were classified as low-vigorous PA compared to their NOW peers (43.9 versus 32.1%, resp., P > .05). Logistic regression analysis showed that children with low-vigorous PA had higher odds ratio (OR) to be classified as OW compared to those with high-vigorous PA (OR = 4.4; 95% CI: 1.4-13.4; P = .008) after adjusting for BMI at first and second years of life and other potential confounders. Conclusion. The data suggests that vigorous PA may play a key role in the obesity development already at pre-school age.