Physical condition in schoolchildren: differences according to levels of physical activity

Introductions: intensity between moderate and strong during the seven (7) days of the week, improves the physical condition of children. The main objective of this study was to determine the relation between physical activity and the physical condition in children and teenagers. Methodology: It was used a cross sectional study for 817 school students between the ages of 8 and 17 years old in the city of Barranquilla. The Fitnessgram Test was applied in order to measure the physical conditions of the students, and specifically: The Leger Test, The Push up test with arm bending; the test of abdominal Strength or Curl up test, and the Trunk lift test. Besides, a measuring of weight, height, and waist was made. For the evaluation of physical activity, a PAC-C and PAC-A questionnaire was applied (on teenagers). Results: The inactive school children ran 48,8 +/- 29,7 meters, contrary to those classified as actives, who ran 62 +/- 39,5 meters (p=0.001). The inactive girls between 8 and 12 years old had an abdominal perimeter of 59,2 +/- 7,2 cm, and the active ones had 64 +/- 7,2 cm (p<0,05). For females between 13 and 17 years old, the actives reached values of 34,7 +/- 4,8 of VO2, while the inactive had 32,5 +/- 3,6. Inactive children between 8 and 12 years old obtained an average of 64,7 +/- 11,2 cm of abdominal perimeter, while the active ones measured 59 +/- 11,4 cm (p<0,05). Conclusions: The relation between the levels of physical activity and physical conditions of the participants was observed in the study. Therefore, this type of practice of physical evaluations on students should be encouraged in all educational institutions.