Independent and Combined Associations of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Fatness With Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Brazilian Youth
in Journal of Physical Activity and HealthBackground:
The purpose of this study was to examine the independent and combined influence of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body mass index (BMI) and percentage of fat (% fat) on total cholesterol (TC) and blood pressure (BP) in male and female youth.
Methods:
1442 (721 girls) children and adolescents aged 7–12 years were randomly selected. CRF, BMI, % fat (predictor variables), TC, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; outcome variables) were measured. Using standardized cut-off points, we created categories for each variable. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to test the independent influence of predictors on outcomes.
Results:
The prevalence of increased TC, SBP, and DBP were 34.4% (95% CI 31.9–37.0), 9.1% (95% CI 7.5–10.6), and 15.5% (95% CI 13.5–17.4), respectively. In multivariable analyses, CRF was a significant predictor of all outcome variables (P < .05). BMI was associated with SBP and DBP (P < .05) and % fat was associated only with SBP (P < .05). CRF had stronger associations with TC than BMI, whereas the opposite was observed for SBP and DBP.
Conclusions:
CRF and BMI are independently associated to TC and BP in male and female youth, and individuals unfit/overweight have greater likelihood of presenting these risk factors.
Bergmann and de Araújo Bergmann are with the Physical Education College, Federal University of Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Hallal is with the Dept of Gymnastics and Sports, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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