Resumen

PEREZ, Betty M et al. Physical activity related to body composition in Venezuelan adolescents. Arch Venez Puer Ped [online]. 2012, vol.75, n.4, pp.100-107. ISSN 0004-0649.

Introduction: Physical activity plays an important role influencing health. Objective: The aim of this study examined the links between physical activity and indicators of adiposity and fat distribution by age, sex, and its frequency and intensity in 304 Venezuelan adolescents, ages 9-17. Methods: Anthropometric procedures employed adhere to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry guidelines (ISAK). Physical activity by the Godin Shepard Leisure-time questionnaire, and bicycle/walking habits by Baecke questionnaire. Normality of the data was assessed by the Kolmogorof-Smirov test and the Anova variance analysis was used with Duncan test, when applicable for analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data. Significant differences were established as p<0.05. Results: Physical activity exhibited positive changes according to age especially in boys with higher scores in this group. Significant differences for activity categories (strenuous, moderate, mild) were found for all indexes except for limb fat in boys and trunk to extremity skinfolds ratio in females. Duncan test elicited statistical significant differences between “never or sometimes” and “frequently” habitual physical activity for boys and girls depending on the indices considered. Influence of bicycle/ walking habits on anthropometric indicators vary with sex. Conclusions: Intensity of physical activity favors diminishing total and relative adiposity. Attention is called to the importance of stimulate physical activity at younger ages as a prevention factor to no communicable disease.

Palabras clave : Physical activity; Body composition; Godin questionnaire; Adolescents.

        · resumen en Español     · texto en Español     · Español ( pdf )