Influência do transporte ativo escolar no percentual de gordura em adolescentes da cidade de Curitiba-PR

Abstract

High values of body fat percentage are associated with the development of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia. Physical activity plays an important role in body fat controlling, increasing the metabolic rate. This increase may occur through adoption of many activities such as sports and recreation, but also through adoption of active transportation. The aim of this study was investigate the relationship between the active transportation to school with the body fat percentage in adolescents. Participated in the research 73 individuals of both genders. To the parents was sent a questionnaire about the usual transportation of the sons, perceptions about factors that influence the adoption of active transportation and socioeconomic aspects. Adolescents answered the IPAQ short version and underwent body composition assessment by DXA. The sample presented homogeneous socioeconomic status, grade and age, not allowing comparisons on these variables. The impediments most mentioned by the parents were the lack of companionship of other adolescents for active transportation, the traffic near the school, the need for crossing busy streets throughout the route, concern about attack from strangers and the distance between residence and school. The body fat percentage was higher among girls (p>0,001). The active transportation was reported by 17,8% of the sample, with 23,8% for males and 9,7% for females. No significant differences were found for body fat percentage among users and nonusers of active transportation. The practice of physical activity was higher (p=0,016) among boys that practice active transportation at least three times a week. It was concluded that was no association between the active transportation and the body fat percentage, this is due the small number of individuals who do active transportation, especially among girls.