Physical activity and body composition in a Quilombola community in the Tocantins state (Brazil)

Abstract

The Quilombola population has precarious living conditions and a risk of obesity. In addition, this population has been little studied in the health area, resulting in a gap in scientific evidence and a lack of policies to promote, protect, and restore health in Tocantins state. Objective: This study aimed to describe the Physical Activity Level (PAL) and body composition of a Quilombola community in the Tocantins state, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study. We study 73 individuals between 10 and 81 years old. The instruments used were: Questionnaire on PAL and sedentary behavior and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance. The statistics analysis was performed using Stata software version 11.0. Results: Sedentary individuals were not found. Among children under 13 years old, 47.8% had a low PAL. The body composition, children and adolescents obtained better results 65.3% and 31.6% respectively. Conclusion: The children’s body fat indexes are within the recommendations (but the PAL is not). PAL of adolescents, adults, and the elderly is not sufficient to cause physiological adaptations in changing body fat levels. Although the Quilombola community maintains some cultural habits, complications of modern life regarding health are concerning, as they seem to be reaching these communities, leading to a lifestyle change, as observed in large cities. Keywords: Exercise; Body Composition; Vulnerable; Public Health.