ASSOCIATION OF MODERATE-TO-VIGOROUS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ARM CIRCUMFERENCE IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Objective: To verify the association of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), objectively assessed, with upper arm circumference (AC) in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out, with a sample of 89 children of both sexes, aged between 9 and 11 years, from the city of Ilhabela. The anthropometric variables analyzed were: body weight (kg), height (cm), body mass index (BMI; kg / m²), adiposity body (mm), measured by the average of seven skinfolds, waist circumference (WC; cm) and AC (cm). The children were classified as obese with AC >25.3 cm. In boys, the AC cutoff for obesity was >24.1 cm and in girls 25.6 cm. The MVPA is the sedentary time (ST) were evaluated objectively by accelerometers that were used during seven consecutive days. Logistic regression models were used and we considered p <0.05.

Results: Girls presented significantly higher values when compared to boys in height, body weight, body adiposity and TS. On average, boys accumulated more time in MVPA (62.5 min/day) than girls (43.1 min/day). In the total sample, AC was strongly associated with body weight, body adiposity, BMI and WC (r≥0.83; p<0.0001). Negative and significant associations between MVPA and CB were found in the total sample (r: -0.36), in boys (r: -0.40) and in girls (r: -0.28). Significant associations between MVPA and AC independent of TS were found in the total sample (OR: 0.950; 95% CI: 0.911-0.990) and in boys (OR: 0.884; 95% CI: 0.793-0.985). In girls, there was no significant association between MVPA and AC.

Conclusion: Associations were found between MVPA and CB, regardless of TS, for the total sample and for boys. In girls, there was no association between MVPA and SB.