BACKGROUND: Over recent decades, the nationwide prevalence of chronic disease among children and adolescents has been on the rise. Conditions such as obesity pose a significant risk to the physical and mental health of individuals in youth as well as in adulthood, as these health risks track into later years and increase in severity. Low-income and racial/ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by chronic conditions. In particular, African American (AA) youth are reported to have a higher prevalence of fair/poor health than their Caucasian peers. Compounding the effects of this racial disparity in health is the disparity AA youth face in SES, as many live in poverty. The individual and environmental influences associated with factors of race and SES contribute to negative health behaviors leading to poor health status among AA youth living in disadvantaged communities. Health disparities have been shown to manifest in the earliest years of life, therefore the monitoring of at-risk populations of children and adolescents is essential to identifying, addressing, and reducing poor health outcomes throughout the course of life. OBJECTIVE: To determine the health status of AA children and adolescents living in a low-income community using multiple health measures, examine the relationships between these health measures in AA youth, as well as to identify barriers to participation in a family-oriented health promotion program. METHODS: A total of 111 AA boys and girls attending a community fine arts program located in a low-income suburb of Chicago participated in the study. Data from anthropometric measurements, the 20-m Shuttle Run Test, and curl-ups were collected and analyzed to assess the health measures of Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI Percentile, Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF), and Muscular Fitness (MF), respectively. Data pertaining to barriers encountered in attending a health promotion program were collected from 13 families who were active members of the community fine arts program and had participated in health promotion program. The cross-sectional survey consisted of questions pertaining to the different components of the intervention program as well as to family demographic information. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the entire study population was 34.2%, with 31.6% of boys and 34.8% of girls being classified as overweight/obese. 16.2% of youth categorized specifically as obese, with 26.3% of boys and 15.2% of girls being obese. 43.9% of study participants aged 10-18 years needed improvement in CRF, all of whom were girls. All but one boy reached the healthy fitness zone for curl-ups. Significant positive correlations were found between BMI and age as well as curl-ups and age, and significant negative correlation was found between CRF and age as well as BMI and CRF for AA youth. Of reported barriers, scheduling conflicts and time constraints were consistently most listed by survey respondents. CONCLUSION: Within the at-risk population of AA youth studied, despite high levels of MF, a large proportion presented with problematic health as indicated by the high levels of poor CRF and weight status observed, suggesting a need for intervention in order to address these health issues. An intervention program targeting youth within this and similar communities should take into consideration attenuating excessive program-associated expenses as well as offering more scheduling options and information on efficient food preparation and exercise.

Os objetivos desse estudo foram verificar as associações entre atividade física (AF) organizada fora da escola, aptidão cardiorrespiratória (APCR) e qualidade do sono com os indicadores de saúde mental em crianças e verificar se a AF organizada fora da escola ou a APCR eram moderadores da relação entre a qualidade do sono com os indicadores de saúde mental. É um estudo de corte transversal, desenvolvido em 232 crianças (118 meninos e 114 meninas) de uma escola de ensino fundamental da rede estadual da cidade de Porto Alegre - RS, selecionada por conveniência. A saúde mental foi avaliada através do Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, respondido pelos pais. A AF organizada fora da escola e qualidade do sono também foram reportados pelos pais, através de perguntas de uma anamnese. A APCR foi avaliada através do teste de corrida e caminhada de 6 minutos. Como covariáveis, o nível socioeconômico (NSE) foi verificado através de uma adaptação do questionário da ABEP, além do sexo e idade (indicados pelos pais). Para análise de dados utilizou-se estatística descritiva, regressão linear generalizada, correlação e análises de moderação. Os resultados indicaram que, nos meninos, a AF organizada fora da escola apresentou associação com o total de dificuldades (β= 2,691; p= 0,03) e sintomas emocionais (β= 1,528; p< 0,001). A APCR relacionou-se com o total de dificuldades (β= -0,013; p< 0,001), hiperatividade/déficit de atenção (β= -0,006; p< 0,001) e problemas de relacionamento com colegas (β= -0,002; p< 0,001). Nas meninas, houveram associações entre o NSE com o total de dificuldades (β= 2,783; p= 0,03) e hiperatividade/déficit de atenção (β= 1,245; p= 0,01), além da idade com os problemas de conduta (β= -0,136; p< 0,001). A qualidade do sono apresentou associação com total de dificuldades (r= -0,45; p< 0,001), sintomas emocionais (r= - 0,31; p= 0,001), problemas de conduta (r= -0,29; p= 0,001), hiperatividade/déficit de atenção (r= -0,43; p< 0,001), e os problemas de relacionamento com colegas (r= - 0,25; p< 0,001), nos meninos. Já nas meninas a qualidade do sono associou-se com o total de dificuldades (r= -0,27; p< 0,001), sintomas emocionais (r= -0,18; p= 0,05), e problemas de conduta (r= -0,25; p= 0,01). A AF organizada fora da escola e APCR não foram moderadoras da relação entre a qualidade do sono e os indicadores de saúde mental. Diante das associações, conclui-se que crianças que mantém hábitos saudáveis como dormir bem, praticar AF organizada fora da escola e ter bons níveis de APCR, apresentam melhores níveis de saúde mental. / The aims of the present study were to verify the associations between organized physical activity (PA) outside school, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and sleep quality as indicators of mental health in children, and to verify if organized PA outside school or CRF were moderators of the relationship between sleep quality with mental health indicators. It is a cross-sectional study, developed with 232 children (118 boys and 114 girls) of a public from Porto Alegre - RS, selected by convenience. Mental health was assessed through the Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire, answered by the parents. Also, the parents, through an anamnesis, reported organized PA and sleep quality. CRF was evaluated through the running and walking test of 6 minutes. As covariates, socioeconomic status was obtained by an adaptation of the ABEP questionnaire, in addition to gender and age. To data analysis were used descriptive statistics, generalized linear regression, correlation and moderation analyzes. The results indicated that, in boys, organized PA outside school showed association with total difficulties (β= 2.691; p= 0.03) and emotional symptoms (β= 1.528; p< 0.001). CRF was related with total difficulties (β= -0.013; p<0.001), hyperactivity/attention deficit (β= -0.006; p<0.001) and relationship problems with colleagues (β= -0.002; p< 0.001). In girls, there was an association between socioeconomic status with total difficulties ((β= 2.783; p= 0.03) and hyperactivity/attention deficit (β= 1.245; p= 0.01), besides age with conduct problems (β= -0.136; p<0.001). Sleep quality was associated with total difficulty (r= -0.45; p<0.001), emotional symptoms (r= -0.31; p=0.001), behavioral problems (r= -0.29; p=0.001), hyperactivity/attention deficit (r= - 0.43; p<0.001) and relationship problems with colleagues (r= -0.25; p<0.001), in boy. Already in girls, sleep quality was associated with total difficulties (r= -0.27; p<0.001), emotional symptoms (r= -0.18; p= 0.05) and behavioral problems (r= -0.25; p=0.01). Organized PA outside school and CRF were not moderators of the relationship between sleep quality and mental health indicators. Considering the associations, it is concluded that children who maintain healthy habits, such as sleeping well, practicing organized PA outside of school and having good levels of CRF, present better levels of mental health.

O objetivo do estudo é descrever e verificar as possíveis associações entre os níveis de ApC com as características das aulas de educação física e as atividades de ocupação do tempo livre em escolares do ensino fundamental. Trata-se de um estudo de associação com abordagem quantitativa e corte transversal. A população são os escolares matriculados no ensino fundamental das escolas públicas municipais de Porto Alegre - RS. A amostra se caracteriza como voluntária, onde, foram avaliadas oito turmas, sendo dos anos iniciais e finais do ensino fundamental, totalizando 137 escolares. A ApC foi avaliada através do teste de corrida e caminhada de 6 minutos. A característica da aula de educação física (EFesc) foi avaliada através do instrumento SOFIT. As atividades físicas realizadas no tempo livre, foi avaliada através de uma questão do questionário IPQ-C, já as atividades sedentárias foram avaliadas através de uma questão específica, formulada pelos pesquisadores. Para o tratamento dos dados foram utilizadas análises descritivas, de variância e de associação, considerando um alfa de 0,05. Os resultados mostram que a maioria das crianças e adolescentes estão na zona de risco para saúde, tendo uma prevalência maior para as meninas, sendo 92,8%, e os meninos 79,5%. Já nas características das aulas, percebemos que os alunos permanecem a maior parte do tempo em intensidade baixa, seguida da intensidade leve e uma frequência muito pequena em intensidade alta. As atividades de ocupação do tempo livre apresentaram resultados, onde podemos observar que a maioria dos escolares realizam pelo menos uma vez na semana algum tipo de esporte, ou está engajada em alguma atividade de lazer ativo. O sexo apresentou uma relação significativa com a ApC (p<0,001), sendo que o modelo onde contém o sexo e a intensidade das aulas possui um (R²=0,257), explicando assim 25% do comportamento da ApC, já o β foi de (156,80) caracterizando então que o sexo masculino percorre 156,80 metros a mais no teste corrida e caminhada. Já intensidade da aula, quando olhada separadamente não apresenta associação com a ApC, porém possui um β relevante de (8,233), sendo que cada minuto a mais em que os alunos são submetidos a intensidade alta durante a aula, os mesmos percorrem 8,233 metros a mais no teste a cada de corrida e caminhada. Já a prática esportiva e o lazer ativo apresentaram associação com os níveis de ApC, sendo que quem não pratica esporte, percorre 187,838 metros a menos no teste de ApC. A partir dos resultados concluímos a maioria das crianças e adolescentes estão na zona de risco para saúde no que se refere a ApC. As intensidades das aulas, a prática esportiva, lazer ativo e o sexo apresentam influenciam positivamente nos níveis de ApC dos escolares. / The objective of the study is to describe and verify the possible associations between the levels of ApC with the characteristics of the physical education classes and the activities of occupation of free time in elementary school students. It is an association study with quantitative and cross-sectional approach. The population is the schoolchildren enrolled in elementary school in the municipal public schools of Porto Alegre - RS. The sample is characterized as voluntary, where eight classes were evaluated, being the initial and final years of elementary school, totaling 137 students. The ApC was evaluated through the 6-minute walk and run test. The characteristic of the physical education class (EFesc) was evaluated through the SOFIT instrument. The physical activities carried out in the free time were evaluated through an IPQ-C questionnaire, and the sedentary activities were evaluated through a specific question formulated by the researchers. For the data treatment, descriptive, variance and association analyzes were used, considering an alpha of 0.05. The results show that the majority of children and adolescents are in the health risk zone, with a higher prevalence for girls, being 92.8%, and boys 79.5%. In the characteristics of the classes, we noticed that the students remain most of the time in low intensity, followed by light intensity and a very low frequency in high intensity. The activities of occupation of the free time presented results, where we can observe that the majority of the students perform at least once a week some type of sport, or is engaged in some active leisure activity. Sex had a significant relationship with ApC (p <0.001), where the model containing sex and intensity of classes had a (R² = 0.257), explaining 25% of the behavior of ApC, whereas β was (156,80), characterizing that the male traverses 156.80 meters more in the running and walking test. The intensity of the class, when looked at separately, is not associated with ApC, but has a relevant β of (8,233), and every minute in which the students are submitted to high intensity during the class, they travel 8,233 meters a more on the test each of running and walking. On the other hand, sports practice and active leisure have been associated with ApC levels, and those who do not practice sports, travel 187,838 meters less in the ApC test. From the results we conclude that ApC is low among children and adolescents. The intensity of the classes, the sports practice and the active leisure have a positive influence on the ApC levels of the students. As a result, sex, sports and active leisure help increase ApC levels

O entendimento da aptidão cardiorrespiratória em crianças e jovens é hoje uma estratégia fundamental de controle da saúde em geral. No entanto, avaliar a aptidão cardiorrespiratória, de forma direta, demanda um custo financeiro alto, pessoal especializado e um tempo excessivo. Nesta perspectiva, inúmeros estudos vêm propondo testes que avaliem, de forma indireta, a aptidão cardiorrespiratória de crianças e jovens. Assim, o objetivo geral do estudo foi compreender os testes de corrida/caminhada de 6 e de 9 minutos e as relações que estes estabelecem com o VO2máx, economia de movimento (EM) e limiar anaeróbio (LA). O estudo propõe uma abordagem de validação de técnica de medida. A amostra foi do tipo não aleatória por conveniência, de corte transversal. Foram avaliados 96 sujeitos, sendo 46 do sexo masculino e 50 do sexo feminino, na faixa etária de 10 a 14 anos de idade. O estágio maturacional foi determinado de acordo com a pilosidade púbica através de Tanner (1962). Os testes de corrida/caminha de 6 e de 9 minutos foram avaliados pela maior distância alcançada no tempo determinado de cada teste. Os componentes da aptidão cardiorrespiratória foram obtidos através de um teste em esteira de carga progressiva até a exaustão, acompanhado pelo ergoespirômetro MedGraphics Cardiorespiratory Diagnostic Systems, modelo MGC/CPX-D. O valor médio de VO2 registrado durante o 4° minuto, a uma velocidade constante, foi considerado o valor de EM. VO2máx que foi obtido pelo maior valor alcançado durante o teste. O limiar ventilatório (LV) foi entendido como o VO2 expresso pelo segundo ponto de inflexão na curva de ventilação e do custo ventilatório de CO2 de cada indivíduo. Para todas as análises estatísticas foi utilizado o programa estatístico SPSS for Windows 10.0. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Os principais resultados apontam que os índices alcançados no teste de 9 minutos (r= 0,632) apresentam melhor relação com o VO2máx de simples razão (ml.kg-1.min-1 ou kg-1) do que os mesmos no teste de 6 minutos (r=0,393). No entanto, o valor de r aumenta para 0,704 e 0,728 nos testes de 6 e de 9 minutos, respectivamente, quando os relacionamos com o VO2máx em expoentes alométricos (kg-0,67). Quanto ao comportamento dessas variáveis durante a puberdade, notamos incremento nos dois testes aeróbios e no VO2máx quando expresso em kg-0,67. No VO2máx (kg-1), os valores médios durante a puberdade se mantiveram estáveis. Quanto às diferenças entre os sexos, percebemos que os valores obtidos pelos meninos superam os das meninas em todas as variáveis. No entanto, percebemos que as diferenças são potencializadas quando expressamos o VO2máx em escalas alométricas (kg-0,67). No âmbito dos componentes da aptidão cardiorrespiratória constatamos que o VO2máx (kg-0,67), aliado a EM (%VO2máx) foram as variáveis que apresentaram maior poder preditivo sobre os testes aeróbios de campo analisados neste estudo, representando geralmente mais de 60% da explicação desses. Já o LV não estabeleceu relações suficientemente capazes de ser apontado como variável preponderante no desempenho dos testes de corrida/caminhada de 6 e de 9 minutos. Dessa forma, podemos concluir que os dois testes analisados são válidos para a avaliação da aptidão cardiorrespiratória se assumirmos que o VO2máx é mais bem representado pelo expoente de massa corporal kg-0,67. Além disso, constatamos que a EM, aliado à capacidade aeróbia máxima é fundamental no desempenho de testes de características aeróbias. Sendo assim, podemos sugerir a utilização do teste de corrida de 6 minutos à professores de educação física como parâmetro da aptidão cardiorrespiratória de seus alunos, pois além de ser um teste simples, de fácil compreensão e que permite sua aplicação em diferentes estruturas físicas, apresentou uma alta relação com o consumo máximo de oxigênio (kg-0,67). / The knowledge about the cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents is a basic strategy of control of the health, considering that low indices of this capacity in this period of age can point important associations with hypokinetic disease in the adult age. However, to evaluate the cardiorespiratory fitness by direct methods demand a high financial cost, specialized people and excessively time. In this perspective, innumerable studies has been considering tests that measure by indirect methods the cardiorespiratory fitness of children and adolescents. Thus, the general objective of this study was to understand the of Run/walk in 6 minutes and Run/walk in 9 minutes tests and the relations that these establish with the VO2max. Moreover, we tried to identify the variables capable to determine the performance of both tests in individuals in the period of infancy and adolescence. The study considers an approach of validation of measuring technique. The sample was a not random type for convenience, with transversal cut analysis. 96 subjects had been evaluated, being 46 masculine and 50 feminine, with ages between 10 and 14 years old. The maturational status was determined by pubic hair according to Tanner (1962). The tests of Run/walk in 6 minutes and Run/walk in 9 minutes had been understood by the biggest distance reached in the definitive time of each test. The components of the cardiorespiratory fitness were gotten through a gradual load test in treadmill until the exhaustion, measured through a gas meter model (MedGraphics Cardiorespiratory Diagnostic Systems – MGC/CPX-D). The average value of VO2 registered during the 4th minute, in a constant speed, was considered the value of movement economy (ME). The VO2max was gotten by the highest value reached during the test. The ventilatory threshold was understood as the VO2 expressed for the second point of inflection in the curve of ventilation and CO2 ventilatory cost for each individual. For all the statistical analyses the statistical program SPSS for Windows 10.0 was used. The level of significance adopted for all the analyses was of 5%. The main results point that the indices reached in the test of 9 minutes (r = 0,632) present better relationship with the VO2max of simple reason (ml.kg-1.min-1 or kg-1) than the same ones in the test of 6 minutes (r=0,393). However, the value of r increases for 0,704 and 0,728 in the tests of 6 and 9 minutes, respectively, when we relate them with the VO2max in allometric exponents (kg-0,67). About the behavior of these variables during the puberty, we notice an increment in the two aerobic tests and in the VO2max expressed in kg-0,67. In the VO2max (kg-1), the average values during the puberty remained steady. About the differences between sexes, we perceive that the values gotten for the boys surpass of the girls in all variables. However, we perceive that the differences are powered when we express the VO2max in allometric scales (kg-0,67). About the components of the cardiorespiratory fitness, we evidence that the VO2max (kg-0,67), ally to the ME (%VO2max) had been the variables that had presented greater predictive power on the field aerobic tests analyzed in this study, representing generally more than 60% of the explanation of these. However, the ventilatory threshold did not establish relationships capable enough to be pointed as the preponderant variable in the performance of Run/walk in 6 minutes and Run/walk in 9 minutes tests. This way, we can conclude that the two analyzed tests are valid for the evaluation of the cardiorespiratory fitness if we assume that the VO2max is better represented by the allometric scales. Moreover, we evidence that the movement economy, ally to the maximum aerobic capacity is basic in the performance of aerobic characteristics tests. Thus, we can suggest the use of the Run/walk in 6 minutes test to any physical education teacher as a parameter of the cardiorespiratory fitness of his students, therefore it is a simple test, of easy understanding, that allows its application in different physical structures and it shows excellent relationship with the maximum oxygen consumption (kg-0,67).

O entendimento da aptidão cardiorrespiratória em crianças e jovens é hoje uma estratégia fundamental de controle da saúde em geral. No entanto, avaliar a aptidão cardiorrespiratória, de forma direta, demanda um custo financeiro alto, pessoal especializado e um tempo excessivo. Nesta perspectiva, inúmeros estudos vêm propondo testes que avaliem, de forma indireta, a aptidão cardiorrespiratória de crianças e jovens. Assim, o objetivo geral do estudo foi compreender os testes de corrida/caminhada de 6 e de 9 minutos e as relações que estes estabelecem com o VO2máx, economia de movimento (EM) e limiar anaeróbio (LA). O estudo propõe uma abordagem de validação de técnica de medida. A amostra foi do tipo não aleatória por conveniência, de corte transversal. Foram avaliados 96 sujeitos, sendo 46 do sexo masculino e 50 do sexo feminino, na faixa etária de 10 a 14 anos de idade. O estágio maturacional foi determinado de acordo com a pilosidade púbica através de Tanner (1962). Os testes de corrida/caminha de 6 e de 9 minutos foram avaliados pela maior distância alcançada no tempo determinado de cada teste. Os componentes da aptidão cardiorrespiratória foram obtidos através de um teste em esteira de carga progressiva até a exaustão, acompanhado pelo ergoespirômetro MedGraphics Cardiorespiratory Diagnostic Systems, modelo MGC/CPX-D. O valor médio de VO2 registrado durante o 4° minuto, a uma velocidade constante, foi considerado o valor de EM. VO2máx que foi obtido pelo maior valor alcançado durante o teste. O limiar ventilatório (LV) foi entendido como o VO2 expresso pelo segundo ponto de inflexão na curva de ventilação e do custo ventilatório de CO2 de cada indivíduo. Para todas as análises estatísticas foi utilizado o programa estatístico SPSS for Windows 10.0. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Os principais resultados apontam que os índices alcançados no teste de 9 minutos (r= 0,632) apresentam melhor relação com o VO2máx de simples razão (ml.kg-1.min-1 ou kg-1) do que os mesmos no teste de 6 minutos (r=0,393). No entanto, o valor de r aumenta para 0,704 e 0,728 nos testes de 6 e de 9 minutos, respectivamente, quando os relacionamos com o VO2máx em expoentes alométricos (kg-0,67). Quanto ao comportamento dessas variáveis durante a puberdade, notamos incremento nos dois testes aeróbios e no VO2máx quando expresso em kg-0,67. No VO2máx (kg-1), os valores médios durante a puberdade se mantiveram estáveis. Quanto às diferenças entre os sexos, percebemos que os valores obtidos pelos meninos superam os das meninas em todas as variáveis. No entanto, percebemos que as diferenças são potencializadas quando expressamos o VO2máx em escalas alométricas (kg-0,67). No âmbito dos componentes da aptidão cardiorrespiratória constatamos que o VO2máx (kg-0,67), aliado a EM (%VO2máx) foram as variáveis que apresentaram maior poder preditivo sobre os testes aeróbios de campo analisados neste estudo, representando geralmente mais de 60% da explicação desses. Já o LV não estabeleceu relações suficientemente capazes de ser apontado como variável preponderante no desempenho dos testes de corrida/caminhada de 6 e de 9 minutos. Dessa forma, podemos concluir que os dois testes analisados são válidos para a avaliação da aptidão cardiorrespiratória se assumirmos que o VO2máx é mais bem representado pelo expoente de massa corporal kg-0,67. Além disso, constatamos que a EM, aliado à capacidade aeróbia máxima é fundamental no desempenho de testes de características aeróbias. Sendo assim, podemos sugerir a utilização do teste de corrida de 6 minutos à professores de educação física como parâmetro da aptidão cardiorrespiratória de seus alunos, pois além de ser um teste simples, de fácil compreensão e que permite sua aplicação em diferentes estruturas físicas, apresentou uma alta relação com o consumo máximo de oxigênio (kg-0,67). / The knowledge about the cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents is a basic strategy of control of the health, considering that low indices of this capacity in this period of age can point important associations with hypokinetic disease in the adult age. However, to evaluate the cardiorespiratory fitness by direct methods demand a high financial cost, specialized people and excessively time. In this perspective, innumerable studies has been considering tests that measure by indirect methods the cardiorespiratory fitness of children and adolescents. Thus, the general objective of this study was to understand the of Run/walk in 6 minutes and Run/walk in 9 minutes tests and the relations that these establish with the VO2max. Moreover, we tried to identify the variables capable to determine the performance of both tests in individuals in the period of infancy and adolescence. The study considers an approach of validation of measuring technique. The sample was a not random type for convenience, with transversal cut analysis. 96 subjects had been evaluated, being 46 masculine and 50 feminine, with ages between 10 and 14 years old. The maturational status was determined by pubic hair according to Tanner (1962). The tests of Run/walk in 6 minutes and Run/walk in 9 minutes had been understood by the biggest distance reached in the definitive time of each test. The components of the cardiorespiratory fitness were gotten through a gradual load test in treadmill until the exhaustion, measured through a gas meter model (MedGraphics Cardiorespiratory Diagnostic Systems – MGC/CPX-D). The average value of VO2 registered during the 4th minute, in a constant speed, was considered the value of movement economy (ME). The VO2max was gotten by the highest value reached during the test. The ventilatory threshold was understood as the VO2 expressed for the second point of inflection in the curve of ventilation and CO2 ventilatory cost for each individual. For all the statistical analyses the statistical program SPSS for Windows 10.0 was used. The level of significance adopted for all the analyses was of 5%. The main results point that the indices reached in the test of 9 minutes (r = 0,632) present better relationship with the VO2max of simple reason (ml.kg-1.min-1 or kg-1) than the same ones in the test of 6 minutes (r=0,393). However, the value of r increases for 0,704 and 0,728 in the tests of 6 and 9 minutes, respectively, when we relate them with the VO2max in allometric exponents (kg-0,67). About the behavior of these variables during the puberty, we notice an increment in the two aerobic tests and in the VO2max expressed in kg-0,67. In the VO2max (kg-1), the average values during the puberty remained steady. About the differences between sexes, we perceive that the values gotten for the boys surpass of the girls in all variables. However, we perceive that the differences are powered when we express the VO2max in allometric scales (kg-0,67). About the components of the cardiorespiratory fitness, we evidence that the VO2max (kg-0,67), ally to the ME (%VO2max) had been the variables that had presented greater predictive power on the field aerobic tests analyzed in this study, representing generally more than 60% of the explanation of these. However, the ventilatory threshold did not establish relationships capable enough to be pointed as the preponderant variable in the performance of Run/walk in 6 minutes and Run/walk in 9 minutes tests. This way, we can conclude that the two analyzed tests are valid for the evaluation of the cardiorespiratory fitness if we assume that the VO2max is better represented by the allometric scales. Moreover, we evidence that the movement economy, ally to the maximum aerobic capacity is basic in the performance of aerobic characteristics tests. Thus, we can suggest the use of the Run/walk in 6 minutes test to any physical education teacher as a parameter of the cardiorespiratory fitness of his students, therefore it is a simple test, of easy understanding, that allows its application in different physical structures and it shows excellent relationship with the maximum oxygen consumption (kg-0,67).

Abstract Type 2 diabetes causes impairment of peripheral nervous system (PNS) function, which can result in symptoms such as pain and numbness. Disturbances in glucose metabolism inflict negative alterations on PNS function even before diabetes occurs. Forty non-diabetic overweight (BMI 25–30) or obese (BMI &#62; 30) working-age adults without polyneuropathy were enrolled in this study. PNS function was measured at baseline and after 3 years by peroneal motor nerve and radial, sural, and medial plantar sensory nerve conduction studies (NCS). At baseline, serum insulin and glucose levels (fasting, 30 min, and 120 min) were measured with a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and fasting serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was measured with an incremental bicycle ergometer test. Physical activity at the age of 15, 30, and current age was defined by a questionnaire. Current physical activity was also measured with a pedometer. At 3-year follow-up, serum insulin and glucose values were measured with a 2-hour OGTT, and serum fasting cholesterol and triglyceride values were measured. At baseline, a serum insulin level at 120 min was positively and statistically significantly associated with peroneus nerve F-wave minimum and maximum latency time, sural nerve latency and nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and medial plantar NCV. VO2max was positively associated with amplitudes of the distal and proximal peroneus nerve and medial plantar nerve. Physical activity at the age of 30 was positively and significantly associated with peroneus NCV, F-wave maximum latency, medial plantar latency, and NCV. At the 3-year follow-up study, all sensory nerve amplitudes decreased significantly, and a 120-min insulin change was positively associated with changes in peroneus NCV, F-wave average latency, sural NCV, and medial plantar NCV. Serum 120-min insulin values were positively associated with NCVs. Physical activity and fitness were positively associated with PNS function. The significant decrease in all sensory nerve amplitudes during follow-up demonstrates that negative alterations may already occur in overweight and obese adults without diabetes. Overweight and obese adults should be encouraged to have an active lifestyle, as even a small increase in physical activity might have a positive effect on PNS function. / Tiivistelmä Tyypin 2 diabetes aiheuttaa ääreishermoston toiminnan heikentymistä, mikä voi oireilla raajoissa kipuna ja tunnottomuutena. Sokeritasapainon häiriintyminen vaikuttaa haitallisesti ääreishermoston toimintaan jo ennen varsinaisen diabeteksen puhkeamista. Tutkimusaineistona olivat 40 ylipainoista (BMI 25-30) tai lihavaa (BMI&#62;30) työikäistä henkilöä, jotka eivät sairastaneet tyypin 2 diabetesta tai polyneuropatiaa. Heille tehtiin seurannan alussa ja lopussa motorisen peroneushermon sekä sensoristen radius-, suralis- ja mediaalisen plantaarihermon hermoratatutkimus. Seurannan alussa heiltä määritettiin seerumin insuliini- ja glukoosiarvot (paasto, 30 min ja 120 min) kahden tunnin sokerirasituskokeella sekä seerumin paastokolesteroli- ja paastotriglyseridiarvot. Maksimaalinen hapenottokyky (VO2max) mitattiin polkupyöräergometrillä. Fyysinen aktiivisuus 15- ja 30-vuotiaana sekä tutkimushetkellä selvitettiin kyselyllä. Nykyinen aktiivisuus mitattiin myös kiihtyvyysanturiin perustuvalla askelmittarilla. Kolmen vuoden seurannassa 29 tutkittavalta määritettiin seerumin insuliini- ja glukoosiarvot kahden tunnin sokerirasituskokeella sekä seerumin paastokolesteroli- ja paastotriglyseridiarvot. Alkutilanteessa 120 minuutin insuliiniarvo oli positiivisesti ja tilastollisesti merkitsevästi yhteydessä peroneushermon F-aallon minimi- ja maksimilatenssiaikaan, suralishermon latenssiaikaan ja johtumisnopeuteen sekä mediaalisen plantaarihermon johtumisnopeuteen. VO2max oli positiivisesti yhteydessä peroneushermon distaalisen ja proksimaalisen vasteen voimakkuuteen (amplitudi) sekä mediaalisen plantaarihermon vasteen voimakkuuteen. Fyysinen aktiivisuus 30 vuoden iässä oli positiivisesti ja merkitsevästi yhteydessä peroneushermon johtumisnopeuteen, F-aallon maksimilatenssiaikaan, mediaalisen plantaarihermon latenssiaikaan sekä johtumisnopeuteen. Seurantatutkimuksessa kaikkien sensoristen hermojen vasteet pienenivät merkitsevästi ja seerumin 120 min insuliiniarvon muutos oli positiivisesti yhteydessä peroneushermon johtumisnopeuden, F-aallon keskiarvolatenssiajan, suralishermon johtumisnopeuden sekä mediaalisen plantaarihermon johtumisnopeuden muutokseen. Seerumin 120 min insuliiniarvot olivat positiivisesti yhteydessä ääreishermojen johtumisnopeuksiin. Fyysinen aktiivisuus ja kunto olivat positiivisesti yhteydessä ääreishermoston toimintaan. Negatiiviset muutokset sensoristen hermojen vasteissa seurantatutkimuksessa osoittavat, että negatiivisia muutoksia ääreishermoston toimintaan voi tapahtua ylipainoisilla henkilöillä jo ilman diabetesta. Ylipainoisia tulee kannustaa liikkumaan, sillä vähäiselläkin liikunnan lisäyksellä voi olla positiivinen vaikutus myös ääreishermoston toimintaan.

O condicionamento cardiorrespiratório pode ser caracterizado como sendo um dos componentes da aptidão cardiorrespiratória, estando diretamente associado aos níveis de saúde e qualidade de vida. Existem formas diversas para se avaliar os níveis de condicionamento cardiorrespiratório durante a realização de exercícios, tanto de forma direta como indireta. Foi realizado um estudo do tipo transversal contando com idosos voluntários acima dos 60 anos, admitidos entre março de 2005 e abril de 2008, todos participantes do Projeto Idosos em Movimento Mantendo a Autonomia (IMMA), coordenado pelo Laboratório de Atividade Física e Promoção da Saúde (LABSAU) do Instituto de Educação Física e Desportos da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (IEFD-UERJ) e implementado em parceria com a Universidade Aberta da Terceira Idade (UnATI-UERJ) com o objetivo de realizar a validação cruzada de equações para estimativa da ACR sem exercícios em amostra de idosos brasileiros. Portanto, esta pesquisa identificou evidências para se estimar a aptidão cardiorrespiratória através de um método sem exercícios apresentando baixo custo e risco a saúde dos idosos, desta forma, não necessitando a utilização de locais específicos e com equipamentos como bicicletas e esteiras ergométricas e também não havendo a necessidade de profissionais especializados na aplicação dos referidos testes / The cardiorespiratory fitness can be characterized as one of the components of cardiorespiratory fitness, being directly associated with levels of health and quality of life. There are several ways to assess cardiorespiratory fitness levels while performing exercises, ing directly and indirectly. A study of cross-sectional counting up elderly volunteers 60 years, admitted between March 2005 and April 2008, all participants of the project "Elderly in Movement Keeping Autonomy" (IMMA), coordinated by the "Physical Activity was conducted and Health Promotion "(LABSAU) of the Institute of Physical Education and Sports of Rio de Janeiro State University (EDFI-UERJ) and implemented in partnership with the Open University of the Third Age (UnATI-UERJ) in order to perform validation cross equations to estimate the ACR without exercise in Brazilian elderly sample. Therefore, this research identified evidence to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness through a workout without method presenting low cost and risk to the health of the elderly, thus not requiring the use of specific locations and equipment such as bikes and treadmills and also there is no the need for skilled professionals in the application of those tests

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-05-19T12:57:01Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Fagner Medeiros Alves - 2016.pdf: 2011269 bytes, checksum: 1f6cef9b35c468e918a813fe43799b53 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-05-19T12:58:43Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Fagner Medeiros Alves - 2016.pdf: 2011269 bytes, checksum: 1f6cef9b35c468e918a813fe43799b53 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-19T12:58:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Fagner Medeiros Alves - 2016.pdf: 2011269 bytes, checksum: 1f6cef9b35c468e918a813fe43799b53 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-03-09 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The metabolic syndrome is characterized by the presence of three or more cardiometabolic risk factors and there is evidences of its association with low cardiorespiratory fitness. Despite the variety of studies that investigated the relationship of metabolic syndrome with cardiorespiratory fitness, there is still a shortage of studies, especially national, who analyzed with density the risk factors of disease with ventilatory variables obtained by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Another fact which justify the importance of this study is achievement of analysis in tertiles from test time and ventilatory variables that will locate and stratify risk groups, that is, find the range of ergospirometric variables that focus individuals who are at increased risk. Objective: To evaluate the relationship of risk factors of metabolic syndrome with cardiorespiratory fitness of women. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 73 women (20-59 years old) attended by the Family Health Strategy of Santo Antônio de Goiás, Goiás, Brazil. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of biochemical parameters and, together with anthropometric and hemodynamic was diagnosed the metabolic syndrome. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise test with progressive exercise protocol. The relationship of metabolic syndrome indicators with cardiorespiratory fitness was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression adjusted for age. Results: The frequency of metabolic syndrome was 53.3% among women. All had at least one risk factor for the disease. We found a significant association of peak oxygen consumption and test time with waist circumference and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Waist circumference was related to peak oxygen consumption (β = -0.50, CI -0.21, -0.06), ventilatory threshold (β = -0.37, CI -0 12, -0.16), test time (β = -0.47, CI -0.09, -0.03) and this was also associated with fasting glucose (β = -0.31, CI -0.03, - 0.001). Conclusion: We demonstrated a high frequency of metabolic syndrome, as well as the presence of at least one cardiometabolic factor. Through tertiles was identified intra-group variability in the relationship of abdominal adiposity with cardiorespiratory fitness parameters and a significant relationship between increased levels of abdominal adiposity and reduced cardiorespiratory capacity. / A síndrome metabólica caracteriza-se pela presença de três ou mais fatores de risco cardiometabólicos e há evidências de sua associação com uma baixa aptidão cardiorrespiratória. Apesar da variedade de estudos que investigaram a relação da síndrome metabólica com aptidão cardiorrespiratória, ainda há uma carência de trabalhos, sobretudo nacionais, que analisaram com densidade os fatores de risco da doença com as variáveis ventilatórias obtidas pelo teste de esforço cardiopulmonar. Outro fato que justifica a importância desse estudo é a realização da análise em tercis do tempo de teste e das variáveis ventilatórias que permitirão localizar e estratificar grupos de risco, ou seja, encontrar a faixa das variáveis ergoespirométricas que se concentram os individuos que apresentam risco aumentado. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação dos fatores de risco da síndrome metabólica com a aptidão cardiorrespiratória de mulheres. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 73 mulheres (20 - 59 anos de idade) assistidas pela Estratégia Saúde da Família de Santo Antônio de Goiás, Goiás, Brasil. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para as medidas de parâmetros bioquímicos e, em conjunto com as antropométricas e hemodinâmicas, foi diagnosticado a síndrome metabólica. A aptidão cardiorrespiratória foi avaliada pelo teste de esforço cardiopulmonar, com protocolo de exercício progressivo. A relação dos indicadores da síndrome metabólica com a aptidão cardiorrespiratória foi analisada através da ANOVA one way e regressão linear múltipla ajustada para a idade. Resultados: A frequência da SM foi de 53,3% entre mulheres. Todas apresentaram pelo menos um fator de risco para a doença. Encontrou-se associação significativa do consumo pico de oxigênio e do tempo de teste com a circunferência da cintura e pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica. A circunferência da cintura foi relacionada com consumo pico de oxigênio (β= -0,50; IC -0,21, -0,06), limiar ventilatório (β= -0,37; IC -0,12, -0,16), tempo de teste (β= -0,47; IC -0,09, -0,03) e, este também foi associado com a glicemia de jejum (β= -0,31; IC -0,03, -0,001). Conclusão: Demonstramos uma alta frequencia de síndrome metabólica, assim como, presença de pelo menos um fator cardiometabólico. Por meio dos tercis foi identificada a variabilidade intragrupo na relação da adiposidade abdominal com os parâmetros de aptidão cardiorrespiratória e, uma relação significativa entre níveis aumentados de adiposidade abdominal e reduzida capacidade cardiorrespiratória.

Menopause transition is a natural process in a woman’s life associated with altered body fat distribution, increased cardiometabolic risk, and the presentation of vasomotor symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats. A 5-year observational, longitudinal study (MONET: Montreal Ottawa New Emerging Team), was performed to document the effect of menopause transition on body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors. Initially, the study included 102 healthy non-obese premenopausal women between the age of 47 and 55 years. By the end of year 5, 91 women completed the study, 4% were still premenopausal, 29% were perimenopausal and 67% became postmenopausal. The major finding of the first study was that the increases in body fat mass and visceral fat in our cohort of non-obese women followed through the menopause transition were independent of the increase in body weight. Furthermore, these changes in body composition and body fat distribution were not associated with cardiometabolic deteriorations. We further examined whether specific factors such as reporting vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and/or night sweats), exaggerated exercise systolic blood pressure, physical activity levels and cardiorespiratory fitness, may be associated with adiposity, body fat distribution and cardiometabolic profile. Overall, women that experienced vasomotor symptoms (paper 2) or presented an exaggerated exercise systolic blood pressure (paper 3), did not present any alterations in their body composition, body fat distribution and cardiometabolic profile compared to asymptomatic women and participants with normal blood pressure response to exercise, respectively. Furthermore, exaggerated exercise systolic blood pressure was not predictive of future hypertension after a 5-year follow-up throughout menopause transition. On the other hand, total volume of physical activity was not linked with measures of a cardiometabolic profile, cardiorespiratory fitness appeared to have the greatest cardioprotective effect (paper 4). Therefore, in generally healthy physically active non-obese premenopausal women, the menopause transition does not generally alter cardiometabolic risk factors, and suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness may have greater cardiometabolic protective effects in this cohort.

Major depression and coronary heart disease are two strongly linked, major causes of death and disability. After an acute coronary event, many patients are referred to cardiac rehabilitation (CR), a medically supervised exercise intervention and lifestyle training program. Depression may partially account for poor CR adherence and resulting cardiovascular problems in patients with a history of heart disease; however, underlying mechanisms through which depression impacts cardiac functioning are not well understood. The current project tests a theoretical model in which CR adherence (i.e., number of CR sessions attended) mediates the relation between baseline depression and cardiorespiratory fitness after CR. A community sample of 858 older adults initiating CR after hospitalization for a coronary event completed a symptom-limited exercise stress test before and after the 12-week program. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured via VO2max, peak MET, and total duration of the stress test. Depression was measured at baseline using the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale. CR adherence did not mediate the relation between baseline depression scores and fitness outcomes. Path analyses revealed that higher baseline depression severity predicted lower likelihood of CR completion (i.e., completion of all 36 sessions, or fewer if limited by insurance or terminated early for good prognosis) in the full sample. Higher levels of depression predicted poorer CR adherence in a subsample of 74 patients with moderate to severe depression. These findings lend support to depression as a predictor of treatment nonadherence in CR. Screening for depression in the context of coronary heart disease and implementing evidence-based depression interventions in secondary prevention settings can help alleviate a massive public health burden.