Effects of programmed physical activity on body composition in post‐pubertal schoolchildren

AbstractObjectiveTo assess body composition modifications in post‐pubertal schoolchildren after practice of a physical activity program during one school year.MethodsThe sample consisted of 386 students aged between 15 and 17 years and divided into two groups: the study group (SG) comprised 195 students and the control group (CG), 191. The SG was submitted to a physical activity program and the CG attended conventional physical education classes. Body composition was assessed using body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (%BF), fat mass (FM), and lean mass (LM).ResultsA positive effect of the physical activity program on body composition in the SG (p<0.001) was observed, as well as on the interaction time x group in all the variables analyzed in both genders. A reduction in %BF (mean of differences = –5.58%) and waist circumference (–2.33cm), as well as an increase in LM (+2.05kg) were observed in the SG for both genders, whereas the opposite was observed in the CG.ConclusionThe practice of programmed physical activity promotes significant reduction of body fat in post‐pubertal schoolchildren.ResumoObjetivoVerificar as modificações da composição corporal de escolares pós‐púberes após a prática da atividade física programada durante um ano letivo.MétodoAmostra composta de 386 alunos, divididos em dois grupos: estudo 195 e controle 191, entre 15 e 17 anos. O grupo estudo (GE) foi submetido a atividade física programada e o grupo controle (GC) a aulas convencionais de educação física. A composição corporal foi avaliada pelo índice de massa corporal (IMC), percentual de gordura (%G) e massa gorda (MG) e magra (MM).ResultadosFoi possível observar um efeito positivo do programa de atividade física sobre a composição corporal no GE (p