Atividade física e aptidão aeróbica em adolescentes: análises em relação ao sexo e procedência

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is a behavior that involves any body movement that results in energy expenditure greater than resting levels. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommends that adolescents engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. Higher levels of physical activity are associated with better aerobic fitness, which significntly contributes to cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity and aerobic fitness in adolescents stratified by sex and from different backgrounds (referred by the University Hospital and athletes from youth soccer teams). Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational, analytical study conducted at the Institute of Physical Education and Sports (IEFE) of the Federal University of Alagoas. The sample included adolescents aged 12 to 17 years of both sexes, participants in the “Sports Without Borders” Project. The variables collected included sociodemographic variables, body mass, and height. Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-c), and aerobic fitness was measured using the 20-meter shuttle test. The tests were stratified by sex and group, and the data were analyzed using the following tests: t-test for two independent samples, Mann Whitney, and partial correlation (adjusted for confounding variables). Results: The results revealed a positive correlation between physical activity and VO2max (adjusted for maternal education, income, BMI, and age) in all groups evaluated, with variations in the strength of the association and statistical significance. Female hebiatrics group: positive correlation, very weak and without significance (r = 0.083; p = 0.808); Female gym & soccer group: positive correlation, very weak and without significance (r = 0.164; p = 0.673); Male hebiatrics group, positive, very weak and non-significant correlation (r = 0.286; p = 0.422); male CRB group: positive, weak but significant correlation (r = 0.354; p = 0.027). Conclusion: In the present sample, the results reinforce the importance of regular practice of physical activity of greater intensity and frequency for improving aerobic fitness and romoting health in adolescents. These findings can contribute to public policies and school actions that encourage the practice of structured physical activities, both in and outside the school environment.