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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Research on composition and physical fitness is lacking in school-aged
children from Madeira. This study aimed to examine the frequencies of overweight and obese
participants and, in addition, to compare the fitness levels of Madeira youth with reference data.
Methods: The sample comprised 521 participants (n = 258 boys; n = 263 girls) aged 10.0–18.9 years
old. Methods: Height and weight were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and
percent fat was derived from skinfolds. Tests detailed on FITESCOLA battery were performed.
BMI was plotted against U.S. reference data and physical assessment contrasted with the cut-off
points of FITESCOLA protocol and corresponding data developed in Portuguese youth. Results:
The percentages of overweight and obesity were 15% (overweight) and 14% (obesity) for boys and
16% (overweight) and 6% (obesity) for girls. The median values of fat mass percentage were closely
related to the cut-off standards; however, substantial variation was noted. Boys and girls tended to
be below the recommendations of cardiorespiratory fitness. Conclusions: Sport participation should
be promoted in Madeira to attain acceptable values of body composition and physical fitness levels.
Description
Keywords
Body fat Cardiovascular fitness Health promotion Physical activity . Faculdade de Ciências Sociais
Citation
Martinho, D.V.; Gouveia, É.R.; França, C.; Lopes, H.; Ihle, A.; Marques, A.; Rodrigues, A.; Alves, R.; Sarmento, H. Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Madeira Youth. Children 2022, 9, 1833. https:// doi.org/10.3390/children9121833
Publisher
MDPI