Social, behavioral and biological correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness according to sex, nutritional status and maturity status among adolescents. A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Our aim was to analyze multilevel correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) according to sex, nutritional status and maturity status among adolescents. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in public schools. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 1,209 adolescents aged between 10 and 17 years. CRF was estimated from the 20-meter shuttle run test. Anthropometric data on body mass index and waist circumference were obtained. Somatic maturation was assessed from the peak height velocity. Questionnaires were used to evaluate socioeconomic variables (family income, parents’ education level and number of siblings) and behavioral variables (physical activity, screen time and alcohol and tobacco consumption) among the parents and adolescents. RESULTS: Boys, adolescents with normal weight and on-time maturers presented greater CRF (P