Aerobic fitness in adolescents in southern Brazil: Association with sociodemographic aspects, lifestyle and nutritional status

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose was to investigate the factors related to aerobic fitness levels of adolescents in southern Brazil. MethodsThe sample consisted of 1081 students (545 males and 536 females), with mean age of 12.8 (± 1.2) years. This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study. Aerobic fitness was assessed by the 9-min running test. The independent variables analyzed were: age, socioeconomic status, school system (public/private), sedentary behavior, physical activity level, nutritional status and body adiposity. Analyses were stratified by sex. We used the Student “t” test for independent samples and logistic regression to estimate odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals of 95% (95% CI). ResultsThe prevalence of low aerobic fitness levels was 92.5%. Boys aged 13–14 years were 2.44 times more likely to have low aerobic fitness levels; poorer boys were 4.31 times more likely to have low aerobic fitness levels. Girls aged 13–14 years were 5.35 times more likely to have low aerobic fitness levels; poorer girls were 10.70 times more likely to have low aerobic fitness levels; girls with sedentary behavior were approximately 4 times more likely to have low aerobic fitness levels. ConclusionThus, it was concluded that almost all adolescents show low aerobic fitness levels, which makes necessary effective interventions in the school environment with the promotion of sports and regular practice of physical activity.