Influência do estilo de vida dos pais no nível de atividade física dos filhos adolescentes

Abstract

The progressive technological advancement enables the society to obtain facilitating mechanisms for performing everyday tasks, such as cars, elevators, cell phones, computers, etc. Despite being sparing muscle energy in daily activities, abuse of these devices may keep the individual away from physical activity during leisure time. Such an event may lead to the development of physical inactivity, which is associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer and heart diseases. Adolescence is one of the age groups more adept at using this technology, this period is characterized by a long process of maturation and physical growth and physiological development. To motivate the practical exercise by adolescents, parents are an important tool, both as an example as to arouse interest in sports. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between active or insufficient parental behavior, with the level of physical activity among adolescents. The methodology used was a multiple case study, conducted in two Public Education Institutions in Curitiba ́s central region. 300 questionnaires were delivered for teenagers between 12 and 14 years and, the father or mother of every teenager researched was also investigated with a questionnaire. The data were collected through the short version IPAC questionnaire and treated with statistical tests: chi-square test for association, chi-squared comparison, frequencies and percentile. The main results were that 48.6% of adolescents were insufficiently active and significantly (p = 0.03736) girls were less active than boys. Parents' participation in physical activity showed significant association results (p = 0.024) with the level of physical activity of their teens. It was concluded that there is a high proportion of adolescents with insufficiency in physical activity, and that there should be more attention with the girls, as they are most commonly exposed to this risk behavior. It was also possible to conclude that to increase adherence to a active lifestyle by adolescents, the practice of physical activity should be encouraged in the family, especially the parents.