Physical activity, physical fitness and quality of diet in schoolchildren from 8 to 12 years

Abstract

The assessment of physical activity, physical fitness, and dietary quality in early ages is a physiological and public health need to contribute to the consolidation of a healthy lifestyle during adulthood.Hypotheses and objectives: Schoolchildren with a better level of physical activity have a better physical condition; schoolchildren with a higher level of physical activity have a better quality of diet; schoolchildren with a better level of physical condition have a better quality of the diet. The objective was to analyze the relationship between physical activity, physical condition and diet quality. A cross-sectional descriptive study with 298 schoolchildren aged 8-12 years. Fitness was assessed using the ALPHA-Fitness battery and physical activity and diet quality was assessed by means of questionnaires. Schoolchildren with a better level of physical activity had a better level of physical fitness. The schoolchildren with a better level of physical condition showed a higher level of physical activity. Schoolchildren with a high level of physical activity and an average level of physical fitness, as well as schoolchildren with a high level of physical fitness (regardless of their level of physical activity), presented a better quality of the diet. The relationship between physical activity and physical condition is positive and bidirectional. Physical activity, fitness, and quality of diet are positively related.