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Home / American Journal of Health Behavior, Volume 38, Number 1

Correlates of Cardiorespiratory and Muscular Fitness among Brazilian Adolescents

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Objective: To analyze socioeconomic indicators, physical activity (PA) opportunities, and behavioral correlates of cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness among Brazilian boys and girls. Methods: A sample of 1555 adolescents was randomly selected. Age- and sex-specific standard scores were calculated for each fitness component. Results: Among boys, head of household's schooling, involvement in organized PA, meeting the PA recommendations, and computer/games use were associated with cardiorespiratory fitness. Involvement in organized PA and active time in Physical Education (PE) classes were predictors of muscular fitness. Among girls, active time in PE classes and TV watching were predictors of cardiorespiratory fitness. Meeting the PA recommendations was associated with muscular fitness. Conclusion: PA variables and sedentary behaviors should be independently considered for physical fitness promotion in youth.

Keywords: ADOLESCENT BEHAVIOR; AEROBIC FITNESS; BRAZILIAN ADOLESCENTS; CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY; HEALTH PROMOTION; SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS

Document Type: Research Article

Affiliations: 1: Research Center for Physical Activity and Health, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil. [email protected] 2: Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil 3: Research Center for Sports and Exercise, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil 4: Undergraduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil 5: Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil

Publication date: 01 January 2014

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  • The American Journal of Health Behavior seeks to improve the quality of life through multidisciplinary health efforts in fostering a better understanding of the multidimensional nature of both individuals and social systems as they relate to health behaviors.

    The Journal aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of personal attributes, personality characteristics, behavior patterns, social structure, and processes on health maintenance, health restoration, and health improvement; to disseminate knowledge of holistic, multidisciplinary approaches to designing and implementing effective health programs; and to showcase health behavior analysis skills that have been proven to affect health improvement and recovery.

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