Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness And The Metabolic Syndrome In Adolescents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To verify the relationship between physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness levels with the metabolic syndrome in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: A random sample of 236 girls (mean age, 14.52±1.76 years) and 203 boys (mean age, 14.7±1.83 years) was selected for the study. Physical activity level was determined using the Bouchard questionnaire. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated by the Leger 20-meter shuttle run test. Terciles were used to classify the subjects as low, moderate and high physical activity and fitness levels. The metabolic syndrome components assessed included waist circunference, blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting plasma glucose. RESULTS: Higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was observed in adolescents with low physical activity (males, 13.6%; females, 7.7%) and low cardiorespiratory fitness (males, 20%; females, 10.3%) levels. Significant relationships were found for males between metabolic syndrome with low physical activity (OR: 5.13; 95% CI: 1.06-24.73) and low cardiorespiratory fitness levels (OR: 8.75; 95% CI: 1.89-40.46). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is high among adolescents with low physical activity and fitness levels; a significant relationship between the metabolic syndrome, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness levels was found only for male subjects. Prevention strategies for the metabolic syndrome should concentrate on enhancing fitness and physical activity levels early in life.