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Int J Sports Med 2012; 33(04): 325-329
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1297955
Behavioural Sciences
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Influence of Activity Patterns in Fitness During Youth

L. Aires
1   Faculty of Sports – Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, University of Porto, Portugal
,
G. Silva
1   Faculty of Sports – Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, University of Porto, Portugal
,
C. Martins
1   Faculty of Sports – Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, University of Porto, Portugal
,
M. P. Santos
1   Faculty of Sports – Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, University of Porto, Portugal
,
J. C. Ribeiro
1   Faculty of Sports – Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, University of Porto, Portugal
,
J. Mota
2   FADEUP, CIAFEL, Porto, Portugal
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 31 October 2011

Publication Date:
29 February 2012 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze longitudinal associations between cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity and body mass index in a 4-year longitudinal study. 170 students (97 girls and 73 boys) aged at baseline from 11 to 17 years were followed. Students performed 20-m-SR; physical activity patterns and parents’ education were evaluated using a standard questionnaire. Body mass index was categorized according to established cut points. In a multilevel analysis using MLwIN, 2 level structures were defined: first for individuals and second for time observations. In a longitudinal 2 level analysis, cardiorespiratory fitness was ­negatively associated with body mass index for girls and boys, respectively (p<0.05; R2=0.63; 0.62), especially with obesity category (p<0.01; R2=0.58; 0.60). In girls, independent associations were observed between CRF and PA categories regarding participation “almost every day” in organized (p<0.05; R2=0.50) and non-organized sports outside school (p<0.05; R2=0.52) and participation in sports competitions (p<0.05; R2=0.51). In boys, associations were found only with participation in sports competitions (p<0.05; R2=0.50). The results highlight the importance of youth participation in organized activities and competitive sports over time to achieve health-related fitness benefits.

Key words

longitudinal study - physical activity - cardiorespiratory fitness - body mass index - adolescence
 

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