Study protocol and rationale of "the UP project": evaluating the effectiveness of active breaks on health indicators in desk-based workers.

Background: Excessive sedentary time has been negatively associated with several health outcomes, and physical activity alone does not seem to fully counteract these consequences. This panorama emphasizes the essential of sedentary time interruption programs. "The Up Project" seeks to assess the effectiveness of two interventions, one incorporating active breaks led by a professional and the other utilizing a computer application (self-led), of both equivalent duration and intensity. These interventions will be compared with a control group to evaluate their impact on physical activity levels, sedentary time, stress perception, occupational pain, and cardiometabolic risk factors among office workers. Methods: This quasi-experimental study includes 60 desk-based workers from universities and educational institutes in Valparaiso, Chile, assigned to three groups: (a) booster breaks led by professionals, (b) computer prompts that are unled, and (c) a control group. The intervention protocol for both experimental groups will last 12 weeks (only weekdays). The following measurements will be performed at baseline and post-intervention: cardiometabolic risk based on body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, and bone mass evaluated by DXA), waist circumference, blood pressure, resting heart rate, and handgrip strength. Physical activity and sedentary time will be self-reported and device-based assessed using accelerometry. Questionnaires will be used to determine the perception of stress and occupational pain. Discussion: Governments worldwide are addressing health issues associated with sedentary behavior, particularly concerning individuals highly exposed to it, such as desk-based workers. Despite implementing certain strategies, there remains a noticeable gap in comprehensive research comparing diverse protocols. For instance, studies that contrast the outcomes of interventions led by professionals with those prompted by computers are scarce. This ongoing project is expected to contribute to evidence-based interventions targeting reduced perceived stress levels and enhancing desk-based employees' mental and physical well-being. The implications of these findings could have the capacity to lay the groundwork for future public health initiatives and government-funded programs.

Associations of sleep time, quality of life, and obesity indicators on physical literacy components: a structural equation model.

AIM: To verify the association between ideal sleep time and physical literacy components while also considering multiple mediators, such as quality of life and obesity, using a sample of adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study consisted of 470 adolescents aged 11-17 years from southern Brazil. Sleep time, health-related quality of life, and physical literacy components (i.e., physical education enjoyment, sports participation, sedentary behavior, moderate to vigorous physical activity, sex, and age) were evaluated through self-reported questionnaires. In addition, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference were determined. The theoretical/statistical support of the structural equation model was evaluated according to fit parameters and strength of association. RESULTS: A direct association was observed between more sleep time and lower levels of obesity. The obesity indicators also had a negative association with HqOL, and HqOL had a positive association with physical literacy. The indirect associations indicated that the ideal sleep time was positively associated with HqOL and physical literacy components, considering the negative mediation effect of obesity. The model explains physical literacy in 31% of the variance (R = 0.31). CONCLUSION: There was an indirect association between ideal sleep duration and quality of life and between both variables with physical literacy. These relationships occur even considering the negative influence of obesity. Therefore, a child who sleeps adequately has a higher likelihood of being physically active, regardless of obesity, potentially enhancing overall quality of life across various domains.

Relaciones entre actividad física y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en niños y adolescentes durante la distancia social COVID-19 / Relações entre a atividade física e a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em crianças e adolescentes durante o distanciamento social COVID-19 / Relationship between physical activity and health-related quality of life in children and adolescents during COVID-19 social distancing

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar la relación entre la actividad física (AF) y los dominios de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (QVRS) en niños y jóvenes durante la distancia social COVID-19. Se aplicó un estudio transversal y analítico con enfoque cuantitativo en una muestra de 119 niñas y 121 niños. Se aplicaron cuestionarios y métodos estadísticos. La correlación entre AF y HQOL fue más fuerte en los niños (46,9%) que en las niñas (14,5%), lo que puede explicarse porque existe una relación considerable y más fuerte entre la edad y el grado escolar con HQOL en las niñas. En conclusión, la actividad física se asoció con la QVRS de los niños y adolescentes durante la distancia social COVID-19. Estos hallazgos muestran la importancia de que esta población se mantenga físicamente activa para que los parámetros de salud no se vean afectados durante este período. (AU)

This study aimed to verify the relationship between physical activity with health-related quality (HQOL) of life domains in children and adolescents during COVID-19 social distancing. A Cross-sectional and analytical study with a quantitative approach in a sample of 119 girls and 121 boys aged between 6 to 14 years old. The moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) practice was measured by days a week and HQOL was obtained with Kidscreen-27. We applied descriptive statistics, z-scores conversions, linear correlations, regression graphs, and generalized linear models for each sex with adjustment by age and school grade. The linear correlation between MVPA and HQOL was stronger in boys (46,9%) than girls (14,5%), which may be explained because there is a considerable and stronger relationship between age, and the school grade with HQOL in girls. In another way, in boys only MVPA was associated with total HQOL, one day of MVPA represented an association with 2.36 points of HQOL, without the significant impact of age and school grade, being the double of power relationship than girls (1.16). In conclusion, physical activity was associated with the quality of life of children and adolescents during social distance due to the COVID-19. These findings show the importance of this population to remain physically active so that health parameters are not affected during this period. (AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a relação da atividade física (AF) com domínios da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) em crianças e jovens durante o distanciamento social COVID-19. Foi aplicado um estudo transversal e analítico com abordagem quantitativa em uma amostra de 119 meninas e 121 meninos. Questionários e métodos estatísticos foram aplicados. A correlação entre AF e QVRS foi mais forte nos meninos (46,9%) do que nas meninas (14,5%). Isso foi explicado porque há uma relação considerável e mais forte entre idade e ano escolar com QVRS em meninas. Em conclusão, a atividade física se associou à qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes durante o distanciamento social COVID-19. Esses achados mostram a importância dessa população se manter fisicamente ativa para que os parâmetros de saúde não sejam afetados nesse período. (AU)

Changes in children's self-perceived physical fitness: results from a Physical Education internet-based intervention in COVID-19 school lockdown.

Background: Children have a higher chance of decreasing health-related physical fitness during periods of school lockdown due to pandemic situations such as with COVID-19 disease. Aims: To establish the changes in children's self-perceived physical fitness (SPPF) during pandemic COVID-19 social distancing in a school lockdown and to describe the individual prevalence of changes in SPPF according to sex. Methods: It is an intervention study with a convenient sample, 67 children (6-13 years old; 50.7% girls). An intervention occurred according to the Brazilian Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) and the State Education Secretary orientations for remote Physical Education classes. SPPF was evaluated through a questionnaire (QAPA). Generalized estimative equations (GEE) and the prevalence of changes in individual score delta (Δ) from baseline to follow-up determined the effects. Results: Positive individual changes in SPPF were observed for 21.2% of girls and 26.4% of boys. Older children presented fewer SPPF total points. There was no interaction between the evaluation period, sex, and age. However, higher baseline SPPF values presented a negative association with the individual SPPF variation (ß = - 2.52%; CI 95% - 3.97 to - 1.07; p = 0.001). Conclusion: A remote Physical Education intervention effectively maintained or even increased individual results of children's SPPF. Thereby, this study suggests that this kind of initiative should be retained for the duration of social distancing and pandemic conditions to help children maintain an active lifestyle and, consequently, achieve health benefits. Improving intervention effectiveness by focusing on girls seems to be a challenge in this matter. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11332-022-00897-1.

Associations among psychological satisfaction in physical education, sports practice, and health indicators with physical activity: Direct and indirect ways in a structural equation model proposal.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Physical education (PE) classes are among the main intervention strategies for increasing levels of physical activity (PA) to adolescent's health improvements. However, low levels of psychological satisfaction in physical education classes (PE satisfaction) and multiple associations with some factors as sex, age, sedentarism, sports practice, sleep, quality of life can act as moderators of levels of physical activity. Considering these aspects, this study aims to propose a theoretical model of multivariate relationships to verify the association between PE satisfaction with PA levels, considering the contribution of sports practice, health indicators, age, and sex on these relations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 470 adolescents (230 boys) aged 11-17 years from the south of Brazil. Several questionnaires were applied to measure the study variables. The theoretical/statistical support of the structural equation model was evaluated according to fit parameters and strength of relations. RESULTS: Sports practice, health indicators, age, and sex were mediators of the relationship between PE satisfaction and PA levels. CONCLUSION: There is a positive, however indirect, relationship between PE satisfaction with the levels of physical activity in adolescents, with greater strength of association in boys and at younger ages. It was identified that the practice of sport contributes to the main mediator factor for all relationships beneficial to the health of adolescents in the multivariate model. This means that adolescents who practiced sports showed greater PE satisfaction, more appropriate health indicators, associated with higher levels of physical activity as compared to nonpractitioners of sport.

Teste de força prancha em crianças: reprodutibilidade, confiabilidade e relação com o teste sit-up / Plank strength test in children: reproducibility, reliability and relationship with the sit-up test

: Os objetivos deste estudo são verificar a reprodutibilidade e confiabilidade do teste "Prancha" em escolares de 6 a 12 anos; e identificar a associação entre a medida de força isométrica no teste prancha com força/resistência abdominal no teste sit-up. Tratase de um estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 221 escolares, 58,8% do sexo masculino, selecionados por conveniência em uma escola do Sul de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Avaliou-se a força isométrica abdominal por meio do teste prancha, adaptado de Mckenzie. O Teste sit-up foi avaliado seguindo o protocolo do PROESP-BR. Mensurou-se a reprodutibilidade e confiabilidade com teste de correlação intraclasse (CI) e gráfico de Bland e Altman. A correlação da força no teste prancha com o teste abdominais sit-up foi mensurada de acordo com o coeficiente de determinação (R2), Alfa de Cronbach e estimativa de Ômega de McDonald. A CI entre medidas do teste prancha apresentou concordância elevada (>0,70; p=0,001). Houve moderada relação entre teste, re-teste, prancha com o número de abdominais sit-up em um minuto (R2=0,43 masculino; R2=0,33 feminino). Os alfas de Cronbach e Ômega de McDonald foram elevados entre as três medidas (>0,80). Conclui-se que o teste prancha isométrica apresenta um elevado nível de reprodutibilidade, confiabilidade e elevada relação com a força abdominal sit-up. O teste prancha pôde ser utilizado como medida alternativa para a força isométrica abdominal nos escolares do presente estudo.(AU)

The objectives of this study are to verify the reproducibility and reliability of the "Plank" test in schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years and to identify the association between isometric strength measurement in the plank test and abdominal resistance strength in the sit-up test. That is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, performed with 221 students, 58.8% of the male gender, selected by convenience at a school in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil. Abdominal isometric strength was assessed by the plank test, it adapted from the Mckenzie. The sit-up test was evaluated following the PROESP-BR protocol. Reproducibility and reliability were measured with intraclass correlation test (IC) and Bland and Altmann graph. The correlation of the strength in the plank test with the sit-up abdominal test was measured according to the determination coefficient (R2), Cronbach's Alpha and McDonald Omega estimate. The IC between plank test measurements showed high agreement (> 0.70; p = 0.001). There was a moderate relationship between test, retest plank with the number of sit-ups in one minute (R2 = 0.43 male; R2 = 0.33 female). The Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's Omega are elevated between the three measures (> 0.80). It concluded that the proposed isometric plank test presents a high level of reproducibility, reliability, and a high relationship with sit-up abdominal strength. It indicates that Plank can be used as an alternative measure for isometric abdominal strength in schoolchildren of present study.(AU)

Association between eating habits, body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cardiometabolic risk factors in children / Associação entre os hábitos alimentares, índice de massa corporal, aptidão cardiorrespiratória e fatores de risco cardiometabólico em crianças

ABSTRACT Objective To verify the multivariate relationships between eating habits, cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass index, and cardiometabolic risk factors in children. Methods This is a cross-sectional study developed in a public elementary school with 60 first- to sixth-graders. Their eating habits were assessed using the Food Frequency Survey, weight, height, and cardiorespiratory fitness, assessed according to the Projeto Esporte Brasil protocol. Moreover, the variables, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, leptin, diastolic and systolic blood pressure were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis and generalized estimation equations were used for the analysis of direct and indirect relations, in a multivariate analysis model with several simultaneous outcomes. Results It appears that the eating habits and cardiorespiratory fitness explain 20% of the body mass index. Cardiometabolic risk factors are explained by the relationship between eating habits, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body mass index, according to the following percentages: 29% (systolic blood pressure), 18% (diastolic blood pressure), 63% (leptin), 4% (adiponectin), 14% (C-reactive protein), 17% (insulin), 10% (high-density lipoprotein), 1% (low-density lipoprotein), 4% (glucose). It is also observed that the effects of the eating habits on cardiometabolic risk factors are indirect, that is, they are dependent on changes in the body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Conclusions The relationship between eating habits and cardiometabolic risk factors in children is dependent on cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index. Thus, our findings suggest a multivariate relationship between these factors.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar as relações multivariadas entre hábitos alimentares, aptidão cardiorrespiratória, índice de massa corporal e fatores de risco cardiometabólico em crianças. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal, desenvolvido com 60 crianças em uma escola pública, de ensino fundamental. Os hábitos alimentares foram avaliados por meio do Inquérito de Frequência Alimentar, peso, estatura e aptidão cardiorrespiratória, avaliados de acordo com o protocolo do Projeto Esporte Brasil. Ainda, foram avaliadas as variáveis lipoproteína de alta densidade, lipoproteína de baixa densidade, glicose, insulina, proteína C-reativa, adiponectina, leptina, pressão arterial diastólica e sistólica. Para a análise de dados, utilizou-se estatística descritiva e, para a análise das relações diretas e indiretas, equações de estimativa generalizadas, em uma modelagem de análise multivariada com diversos desfechos simultâneos. Resultados Verifica-se que os hábitos alimentares e a aptidão cardiorrespiratória explicam o índice de massa corporal em 20%. Os fatores de risco cardiometabólico são explicados pelas relações entre hábitos alimentares, aptidão cardiorrespiratória e índice de massa corporal, de acordo com os seguintes percentuais: 29% (pressão arterial sistólica), 18% (pressão arterial diastólica), 63% (leptina), 4% (adiponectina), 14% (proteína C-reativa), 17% (insulina), 10% (lipoproteína de alta densidade), 1% (lipoproteína de baixa densidade), 4% (glicose). Ainda, observa-se que os efeitos dos hábitos alimentares nos fatores de risco cardiometabólico são indiretos, isso é, são dependentes das alterações no índice de massa corporal e nos níveis aptidão cardiorrespiratória. Conclusão A relação entre os hábitos alimentares e os fatores de risco cardiometabólico em crianças é dependente da aptidão cardiorrespiratória e do índice de massa corporal, de forma que os achados deste estudo sugerem uma relação multivariada entre esses fatores.

Effects and prevalence of responders after a multicomponent intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity: Action for health study.

This study aimed to verify the effect of a multicomponent intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF), and to determine the prevalence of responders on CMRF among children and adolescents with overweight/obesity. This is a quasi-experimental study, developed with 35 children and adolescents with overweight/obesity (control group (CG) = 18; intervention group (IG) = 17), aged between 7 and 13 years. Participants in IG underwent a multicomponent intervention for 12 weeks. The following variables were evaluated: anthropometric measures, maturational stages and CMRF (body fatness, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, high-density and low-density lipoprotein) (HDL-C, LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and AST/ALT ratio. Mixed analysis of variance and the prevalence of responders were used for statistical analysis. There was a significant time x group interaction on body fatness (p < 0.001), HOMA-IR (p = 0.01), HDL-C (p < 0.001), LDL-C (p = 0.009) and TC (p < 0.001). The prevalence of responders for CMRF in IG and CG was respectively: body fatness (47%; 0%; p = 0.04), HOMA-IR (58.8%; 16.6%; p = 0.04); triglycerides (17.6%; 5.5%; p = 0.31); HDL-C (76.4%; 5.5%; p = 0.01), LDL-C (35.3%; 5%; p = 0.08), TC (64.7%; 5%; p = 0.01), AST (5.8%; 0%; p = 0.87), ALT (29.4%; 11.1%; p = 0.24) and AST/ALT ratio (24.4%; 22.2%; p = 0.67). Multicomponent intervention induced positive changes on CMRF along with a higher prevalence of positive adaptations in IG than the CG in some of the cardiometabolic outcomes assessed.

Jump gymnastic at school physical education for adolescents and adults: changes and prevalence of success in health-related physical fitness / Ginástica "Jump" na Educação Física escolar para adolescentes e adultos: alterações e prevalência de sucesso na aptidão física relacionada à saúde

This study aimed to verify changes and prevalence of success in health-related physical fitness after an intervention with jump gymnastic at physical education classes for adolescents and adults according to gender. Thirty-nine adolescents and adults (20 women) were selected for convenience, aged between 15-61 years old, at a school in Charqueadas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The intervention consisted on 60 Jump gymnastic classes, three times per week in a school semester. The body mass index (BMI); waist circumference (WC); cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF); flexibility and abdominal strength were evaluat-ed. The changes and the prevalence of success were calculated according to specific cutoff points for the individual pre- and post-test variation (D%; mean) and Manova analysis was adopted as comparison test for means variation between gender and variation of this groups at time. BMI have not changed (D = -1.17%, p = 0.123) in women, however it increased (D = 2.07%, p = 0.035) in men. PC have not changed (female: D = 0.71%, p = 0.341, male: D = 1.09%, p = 0.564). Abdominal strength increased (D = 145.47%, p = 0.001) in women but not in men (D = 12.82%, p = 0.411). The flexibility increased similarly in women (D = 16.07%, p = 0.041) and men (D = 17.32%, p = 0.039) and CRF increased only in women (D = 14.32%; p = 0.028). The individual prevalence of success was 41% in flexibility, 33% in CRF, 23% in abdominal strength, 15% in WC and only 10% in BMI. Women had stronger benefits compared to men with the Jump in physical education, mainly in abdominal strength and CRF

Este estudo objetivou verificar alterações e a prevalência de sucesso na aptidão física relacionada à saúde após intervenção com ginástica "Jump" na educação física escolar para adolescentes e adultos, estratificado por sexo. Selecionou-se, por conveniência, 39 adolescentes e adultos (20 mulheres), de 15 a 61 anos em uma escola de Charqueadas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A intervenção consistiu em 60 aulas de ginástica "Jump", três vezes por semana em um semestre de educação física. Avaliou-se o índice de massa corporal (IMC); perímetro da cin-tura (PC); aptidão cardiorrespiratória (APCR); flexibilidade e força abdominal. As alterações e a prevalência de sucesso foram calculadas através da variação individual pré-teste para pós-teste (D% média) e a análise de Manova foi adotada como teste de comparação para variações das médias entre gênero e variação desses grupos no tempo. O IMC do sexo feminino não alterou (D = -1,17%; p = 0,123), diferentemente do masculino que aumentou (D = 2,07%; p = 0,035). O PC médio não alterou significativamente (feminino: D = -0,71%; p = 0,341; masculino: D = 1,09%; p = 0,564). A força abdominal feminina aumentou (D = 145,47%; p = 0,001) e o sexo masculino não teve alteração (D = -12,82%; p = 0,411). A flexibilidade aumentou similarmente no sexo feminino (D = 16,07%; p = 0,041) e no masculino (D = 17,32%; p = 0,039) e a APCR aumentou somente no sexo feminino (D = 14,32%; p = 0,028). A prevalência individual de sucesso foi de 41% na flexibilidade, 33% na APCR, 23% na força abdominal, 15% no PC e apenas 10% no IMC. O sexo feminino teve maiores bene-fícios em relação ao masculino com o Jump na educação física, principalmente na força abdominal e na APCR

Differences in physical activity levels of school domains between high- and low-active adolescents

To compare high active (HA) and low active (LA) adolescent's physical activity (PA) levels in three different domains: commuting to school, physical education (PE) class and recess time at school. Method: This is a cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach and random sample of 176 (105 girls) adolescents aged 14 - 18 years old from 10 urban public high schools in southern from Brazil. PA levels were measured using a pedometer. The average number of steps was recorded on the way to school, during PE classes and during school recess time. Participants were classified as HA and LA according to Tudor-Locke's cut-off points. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and One-Way ANOVA stratified by sex. Results: Data showed differences of mean values between school commuting PA for girls (LA: 1057.60; HA: 1624.54; Δ: 566.94; p<0.001), during PE class (LA: 1401.75, HA: 1701.10; Δ: 308.53; p<0.05) and in recess time (LA: 443.09, HA: 611.98; Δ: 168.89; p=0.001), whereas for boys, differences only found between the mean values of PA during PE class (LA: 1787.91, HA: 2511.20; Δ: 723.29; p<0.01). Conclusion: HA girls are consistently more active in each domain analyzed compared to LA counterparts, while for boys PE class was the domain that differentiated the HA vs. LA adolescents. This study highlights some potential settings to be included in the policies focused in enhance PA levels among adolescents namely in the context of school PE.(AU)

Occurrence of metabolic risk in schoolchildren using a noninvasive indicator: waist and height ratio / Ocorrência de risco metabólico em escolares através de indicador não invasivo: relação cintura e estatura

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic disorders in childhood and adolescence have been increasing considerably. Thus, the importance of performing an early diagnosis is emphasized. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the occurrence of metabolic risk using a non-invasive marker in schoolchildren. METHODS: This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach, with random sample of 174 schoolchildren (70 boys and 104 girls) from 10 state high schools in the city of Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The height (cm) was verified according to the procedures of the Brazilian Sport Project and the waist circumference (cm) was measured with a flexible and inelastic tape measure. From this the waist-to-height ratio was calculated, which takes into account the proportion of abdominal fat by the individual's height, considering the cut-off point of Ashwell & Hsieh. For data analysis we used descriptive and chi-square statistics. RESULTS: The metabolic risk of schoolchildren was 13.8%, when stratified by sex, the occurrences were 11.4% for males and 15.4% for females, but there was no significant difference between the sexes (X²= 0.54; p= 0.45). CONCLUSION: The use of non-invasive markers for the diagnosis of metabolic risk indicated a high occurrence of it in schoolchildren, with the girls presenting a higher risk. The use of this method is important because it allows the evaluation of a greater number of schoolchildren and the early identification of health risk. In addition to being a low-cost, easy-to-apply method.

INTRODUÇÃO: As desordens metabólicas na infância e adolescência vem aumentando consideravelmente. Dessa forma, destaca-se a importância da realização de um diagnóstico precoce. OBJETIVO: Analisar a ocorrência de risco metabólico utilizando marcador não invasivo em escolares. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, com amostra aleatória de 174 escolares (70 meninos e 104 meninas) de 10 escolas estaduais de ensino médio na cidade de Passo Fundo-RS-Brasil. A estatura (cm) foi verificada de acordo com os procedimentos do Projeto esporte Brasil e a circunferência da cintura (cm) foi mensurada com uma fita métrica flexível e inelástica. A partir disso foi calculada a razão entre cintura e estatura, que leva em conta a proporção de gordura abdominal pela estatura do indivíduo, considerando o ponto de corte de Ashwell & Hsieh. Para análise de dados utilizou-se estatística descritiva e qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: O risco metabólico dos escolares foi de 13,8%, quando estratificado por sexo as ocorrências foram de 11,4% para o masculino e 15,4% para o feminino, porém não houve diferença significativa entre os sexos (X²= 0,54; p= 0,45). CONCLUSÃO: A utilização de marcadores não invasivos para o diagnóstico de risco metabólico indicou uma ocorrência elevada em escolares, sendo que as meninas apresentaram maior risco. Destaca-se a importância da utilização desse método, pois possibilita a avaliação de maior número de escolares e a identificação precoce do risco à saúde. Além de ser um método de baixo custo e de fácil aplicabilidade

Obesity anthropometric indicators associated with cardiometabolic risk in Portuguese children and adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between cardiometabolic risk with body mass index and skinfold independently or in combination in youth. This cross-sectional study comprised a convenience sample of 450 children and adolescents (255 girls), aged 10 to 18 years old. Indicators of body composition were measured, and hemodynamic assessment completed. The association between body mass index and/or sum of skinfolds and cardiometabolic risk (z score of the sum of triglycerides/high density lipoprotein cholesterol, waist circumference, and mean blood pressure), was calculated using Generalized Linear Models Regression. The results showed that youngsters classified as overweight or obese with the highest skinfold measurements had the strongest association with cardiometabolic risk (< beta >: 2.60; IC 95%: 2.25-3.0) when compared with those exhibiting normal skinfold thickness (< beta >: 1.78; IC 95%: 1.30-2.20). Body mass index was most strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk (< beta >: 1.78; IC 95%: 1.3-2.2), in comparison to skinfold thickness, which was associated to a lesser extent (< beta >: 0.41; IC 95%: 0.34-0.49). Results of this cross-sectional study indicate that body mass index is more strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk than skinfold thickness. However when these two measures of overweight/obesity are combined, prediction of cardiometabolic risk is further improved. It is therefore important that public health professionals consider both body mass index and sum of skinfolds to better predict cardiometabolic risk in overweight and obese youth. Implications for future research include the use of longitudinal designs and inclusion of children from other racial/ethnic groups.

Association between school structure and physical activity in physical education class and school recess / Associação entre estrutura da escola com a atividade física na aula de educação física e no recreio

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the association between the characteristics of the school structure and the physical activity of students in the physical education class and school recess. This is an association study with quantitative approach. The random sample is composed of 176 schoolchildren (71 boys and 105 girls) from 10 schools of the city of Passo Fundo-RS, Brazil. Physical activity was evaluated with a pedometer, after which the average number of steps in the physical education class and school recess was calculated. The characteristics of the school structure were evaluated by direct observation, with the audit tool in the school. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test and generalized linear regression. The mean number of steps among boys was higher when compared to girls in the physical education class (t=3.478, p<0.001, d cohen=0.62) and in the school recess (t=2.537, p<0.01; d cohen=0.45). The number of steps in physical education class was not associated with the characteristics of the school structure. In the school recess, an inverse association was found, where boys enrolled in schools with regular quality structure performed on average 208.04 (95%CI=16.44/399.65; p=0.03) steps when compared to boys enrolled in schools with good quality structure. Schools that have bigger and/or better structure do not necessarily influence adolescents in the practice of physical activity in school recess and physical education classes.

Resumo Objetivou-se verificar a associação entre as características da estrutura da escola e a atividade física dos escolares na aula de educação física e no recreio. Estudo de associação com abordagem quantitativa. A amostra aleatória é composta por 176 escolares (71 meninos e 105 meninas) de 10 escolas estaduais de ensino médio da cidade de Passo Fundo-RS, Brasil. A atividade física foi avaliada com pedômetro, posterior a isso se calculou a média do número de passos na aula de educação física e no recreio. As características da estrutura da escola foram avaliadas por observação direta, com a ferramenta de auditoria na escola. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se estatística descritiva, test t independente e regressão linear generalizada. A média do número de passos entre os meninos foi maior quando comparados às meninas na aula de educação física (t=3,478; p<0,001; d cohen= 0,62) e no recreio (t=2,537; p<0,01; d cohen=0,45). O número de passos da aula de educação física não se associou com as características da estrutura da escola. No recreio, foi encontrada uma associação inversa, onde os meninos que estudavam nas escolas com estruturas de qualidade regular, realizaram em média 208,04 (IC 95%=16,44/399,65; p=0,03) passos a mais quando comparados aos meninos das escolas com estruturas de qualidade boa. As escolas que possuem maiores e/ou melhores estruturas, não necessariamente, influenciam os adolescentes na prática de atividade física no recreio e na aula de educação física.

Effect of an intervention in Physical Education classes on health related levels of physical fitness in youth / Efeito de um programa de Educação Física Escolar nos níveis de aptidão física relacionada à saúde de jovens

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of an interven-tion program during Physical Education (PE) classes on levels of physical fitness related to health in youth. This is a pre-ex-perimental study. The students (40 boys and 48 girls) were conveniently selected from a private school in Southern Brazil. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed through the six-minute test, recorded in meters (m), flexibility through the sit-and-reach test, recorded in centimeters (cm), abdominal strength/resistance through repetitions in one minute (rep) and body mass index (BMI) through the [mass/height²] equation. The intervention program was conducted in PE classes, often twice a week, during an entire school year. Data analysis was performed using descriptive analysis, Student's t-test and repeated meas-ures ANOVA, taking into consideration p<0.05. The PE pro-gram promoted improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness for boys (pre-test: 1123.0m±197.0m; post-test: 1247.2m±139.6m; p=0.002) and girls (pre-test: 940.7m±75.0m; post-test: 1028.7m±67.3m; p=0.001); abdominal strength/resistance for boys (pre-test: 46.1 rep±10.1 rep; post-test: 53.9 rep±10.4 rep; p=0.001) and girls (pre-test: 36.4 rep ± 8.3 rep; post-test: 44.0 rep±6.1 rep; p=0.001); and flexibility for boys (pre-test:22.7cm ± 8.1cm; post-test: 27.6cm ±7.2cm; p=0.006) and girls (pre-test: 32.0cm±6.2cm; post-test: 34.8cm ± 6.4cm; p=0.032). There wer-en't changes in mean BMI values. Therefore, it's considered that the PE program aimed at health promotion through physical fitness can improve the indicators of cardiometabolic and muscle-skeletal health in students.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito de um programa de in-tervenção nas aulas de Educação Física Escolar sobre os níveis de aptidão física relacionada à saúde de jovens. Trata-se de um estudo pré-experimental. Os estudantes (40 meninos e 48 meninas) fo-ram selecionados por conveniência em uma escola privada do sul do Brasil. Foram avaliados a aptidão cardiorrespiratória através do teste de seis minutos, anotado em metros (m), flexibilidade através do teste de sentar e alcançar, anotado em centímetros (cm), força/resistência abdominal através de repetições em um minuto (rep) e índice de massa corporal (IMC) através da equação massa/estatu-ra². O programa de intervenção foi realizado nas aulas de Educa-ção Física, com frequência de duas vezes semanais, durante um ano letivo. Para análise dos dados recorreu-se a análise descritiva, teste t de Student e ANOVA de medidas repetidas, levando em conside-ração um p < 0,05. O programa de Educação Física Escolar pro-moveu melhoria da aptidão cardiorrespiratória dos meninos (pré: 1123,0m±197,0m; pós: 1247,2m±139,6m; p: 0,002) e meninas (pré: 940,7m±75,0m - pós: 1028,7m±67,3m; p: 0,001), força/re-sistência abdominal dos meninos (pré: 46,1 rep±10,1 rep - pós: 53,9 rep±10,5 rep; p: 0,001) e meninas (pré: 364 rep±8,3 rep - pós: 44,0 rep±6,1 rep; p: 0,001) e flexibilidade dos meninos: (pré: 22,7cm±8,-1cm - pós: 27,6cm±7,2cm; p: 0,006) e meninas (pré: 32,0cm±6,-2cm - pós: 34,8cm±6,4cm; p: 0,032). Não houveram variações nos valores médios do IMC. Portanto, considera-se que o programa de educação física escolar direcionado à promoção da saúde, através da aptidão física pode melhorar os indicadores de saúde cardiometabó-lica e musculoesquelética em estudantes.

Perception of square and park characteristics and physical activity practice among High School students / Percepção das características da praça ou parque e prática de atividade física de escolares do ensino médio

This study aimed to investigate the association between perception of the characteristics of square/parks (infrastructure, conservation, esthetics, safety, distance from residence, and access) and physical activity among high school students from the public network. It is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach and a random sample of 168 adolescents (40.3% male adolescents), 14 to 18 years of age, from the city of Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil. Perception of square/park characteristics was assessed through six questions about the characteristics of the neighborhood where students lived. Physical activity was measured by a question adopted in the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, those who answered that performed physical activity five times a week or more were classified as sufficiently active. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square test and Poisson regression, with robust covariance matrix. The results of the adjusted analysis indicated that adolescents who answered that the square/park is not far from their home had a prevalence ratio of 2.82 (95% CI: 1.31-11.22). It is concluded that perceiving the presence of a square/park near the place of residence increases the probability of physical activity practicing.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a associação entre a percepção das características da praça/parque (estrutura, conservação, estética, segurança, distância da residência e acesso) e atividade física em escolares do ensino médio da rede pública. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, envolvendo amostra aleatória de 168 adolescentes (40,3% adolescentes do sexo masculino), de 14 a 18 anos de idade, do ensino médio da cidade de Passo Fundo, RS, Brasil. A percepção das características da praça/parque foi avaliada através de seis questões referentes ao bairro em que os escolares residiam. A atividade física foi mensurada por meio de uma pergunta adotada no Sistema de Monitoramento de Comportamentos de Risco em Jovens, aqueles que responderam que realizavam atividade física cinco vezes semanais ou mais, foram classificados como suficientemente ativos. Na análise dos dados foram aplicados procedimentos de estatística descritiva, teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson e regressão de Poisson, com matriz de covariância robusta. Os resultados da análise ajustada indicaram que os adolescentes que responderam que a praça/parque não é longe de sua casa apresentaram uma razão de prevalência 2,82 (IC95%: 1,31-11,22). Conclui-se que perceber a presença de praça/parque próximas do local de residência aumenta a probabilidade de prática de atividade física.