Physical Activity Behavior, Aerobic Fitness and Quality of Life in School-Age Children

Abstract

The aim of this article is to assess the differences in sedentary and physical activity behavior, physical fitness and quality of lifein school-age children according to their adiposity state (BMI-SD= Body Mass Index Standard deviation) and gender. 352 children participated in the study (11.99 ± 1.5 years). Children were assigned to a normal weight group (NW= Normal Weight) (n=175) or to an overweight/obese group (OW/OB= Overweight and Obese) (n=177). The percentage of OW/OB was significantly superior (p<0.05) in boys (55.4%) than in girls. Boys reported spending 2:19 h/week (sd= 2:33; p<0.01) watching TV and 3:21 h/week (4:28; p<0.001) more than girls practicing moderate-high intensity physical activity. In contrast, in weight groups differences appeared only at high intensity activities to which NW children devoted 52minuts/week (2:33; p<0.01) longer than OW/OB children. NW and OW/OB groups presented significant (p<0.05) differences in all the physical fitness tests, except for the medicine ball toss one. Children's involvement in at least three hours a week of physical activity were associated to a lower prevalence of overweight or obesity, and to higher physical fitness in children.

The authors are grateful to all the schools, children and their families for their participation, to the colleagues in Programa Nereu (Lleida, Catalonia) for their valuable contributions and the IDIAP – Jordi Gol Foundation. This study was supported by a grant from the Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Spain, (PRE/2730/2012, de 4 de desembre, DOGC NÚM. 6272 – 12.12.2012)