PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS AND METABOLIC SYNDROME IN ADOLESCENTS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) has been associated with sedentary behavior, low levels of physical activity and of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, in adolescents the results are conflicting. Objective: To measure the association between sedentary behavior, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and MetS in a representative sample of adolescents. Methods: The sample consisted of 1,035 adolescents (565 girls and 470 boys) between 12 and 20 years of age. Sedentary behavior was treated through recreational screen time, while information equivalent to physical activity was considered through the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), estimated through PACER performance, was used as an indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness. MetS was identified using the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. Results: Adolescents of both sexes identified with MetS had significantly longer recreational screen time and lower VO2max than their unidentified MetS peers. Scores equivalent to the level of physical activity undertaken by adolescents identified and not identified with MetS were statistically similar. Probabilistically, adolescents with high recreational screen time and low VO2max had, respectively, 79% [OR = 1.79; 95% CI 1.10 – 2.82] and 95% [OR = 1.95; 95% CI 1.20 – 3.09] greater odds of being identified with MetS. Conclusion: The findings indicate consistent and significant associations between longer recreational screen time, low VO2max values and high prevalence of MetS, which suggests specific interventions designed to help minimize cardiometabolic risk exposure from a very early age. Level of Evidence III; Prognostic Studies - Investigating the Effect of a Patient's Characteristics on the Disease Outcome.