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This study aimed to review the scientific evidence on associations between motor competence (MC) and components of health related physical fitness (HRPF), in children and adolescents. Systematic review. Systematic search of Academic Search Premier, ERIC, PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, SportDiscus, and Web of Science databases was undertaken between October 2012 and December 2013. Studies examining associations between MC and HRPF components (body weight status, cardiorespiratory fitness, musculoskeletal fitness and flexibility) in healthy children and adolescents, published between 1990 and 2013, were included. Risk of bias within studies was assessed using CONSORT and STROBE guidelines. The origin, design, sample, measure of MC, measure of the HRPF, main results and statistics of the studies were analyzed and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Forty-four studies matched all criteria; 16 were classified as low risk of bias and 28 as medium risk. There is strong scientific evidence supporting an inverse association between MC and body weight status (27 out of 33 studies) and a positive association between MC and cardiorespiratory fitness (12 out of 12 studies) and musculoskeletal fitness (7 out of 11 studies). The relationship between MC and flexibility was uncertain. Considering the noted associations between various assessments of MC and with multiple aspects of HRPF, the development of MC in childhood may both directly and indirectly augment HRPF and may serve to enhance the development of long-term health outcomes in children and adolescents.

Background To evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of Aerobic Physical Training (AET) on the mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative balance in the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) of leptin deficiency-induced obese mice (ob/ob mice). Methods Then, the mice were submitted to an 8-week protocol of aerobic physical training (AET) at moderate intensity (60% of the maximum running speed). In the oxidative stress, we analyzed Malonaldehyde (MDA) and Carbonyls, the enzymatic activity of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione S Transferase (GST), non-enzymatic antioxidant system: reduced glutathione (GSH), and Total thiols. Additionally, we evaluated the gene expression of PGC-1α SIRT-1, and ATP5A related to mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Results In our study, we did not observe a significant difference in MDA ( p  = 0.2855), Carbonyl’s ( p  = 0.2246), SOD ( p  = 0.1595), and CAT ( p  = 0.6882) activity. However, the activity of GST ( p  = 0.04), the levels of GSH ( p  = 0.001), and Thiols ( p  = 0.02) were increased after 8 weeks of AET. Additionally, there were high levels of PGC-1α ( p  = 0.01), SIRT-1 ( p  = 0.009), and ATP5A ( p  = 0.01) gene expression after AET in comparison with the sedentary group. Conclusions AET for eight weeks can improve antioxidant defense and increase the expression of PGC-1α, SIRT-1, and ATP5A in PFC of ob/ob mice.

Introduction: There is increasing academic and policy interest in promoting children and young people's health by ensuring that the school environment supports healthy behaviors. Objective: The study aim to describe and interpret the variability of children's PA based on individual characteristics and school context using the multilevel modeling approach. Methodology: A total of 453 (236 boys and 217 girls) children aged 5 to 7.5 years old were assessed. Anthropometry, Birth information, organized regular physical activity (sports), physical activity (PA), Socioeconomic status and School environment context were assessed. A multilevel modeling approach was used to identify hierarchical effects (child and school levels). Results: In model (M0) (β=60.54; p<0.01), only 1.4% of the total variance in children's MVPA level was explained by differences in the school context, while the remaining 98.6% is explained by individual predictors. After the inclusion of child-level predictors (M1), only the nutritional status variable was significantly associated with time in MVPA (β= -5.13; p=0.04). In Model 2, adding the school context information did not change the order of any factor’s importance. However, the nutritional status variable remains significantly associated with time in MVPA (β= -5.08; p=0.04). Conclusions: In conclusion, only nutritional status was associated with variation in MVPA. Although individual characteristics exert greater influence on MVPA than characteristics of the school context, policies to promote physical activity and control overweight and obesity at school should be developed with the aim of encouraging the adoption of more active and healthy lifestyles. Introducción: Existe un creciente interés académico y político en promover la salud de los niños y los jóvenes garantizando que el entorno escolar apoye comportamientos saludables. Objetivo: El estudio tiene como objetivo describir e interpretar la variabilidad de la actividad física de los niños en función de las características individuales y el contexto escolar utilizando el enfoque de modelado multinivel. Metodología: Se evaluó a un total de 453 niños (236 niños y 217 niñas) de 5 a 7,5 años. Se evaluaron datos antropométricos, información sobre el nacimiento, actividad física regular organizada (deportes), actividad física (AF), nivel socioeconómico y contexto escolar. Se utilizó un modelo multinivel para identificar los efectos jerárquicos (nivel infantil y escolar). Resultados: En el modelo (M0) (β=60,54; p<0,01), solo el 1,4% de la varianza total en el nivel de AFMV de los niños se explicó por diferencias en el contexto escolar, mientras que el 98,6% restante se explica por predictores individuales. Tras la inclusión de predictores a nivel infantil (M1), solo la variable estado nutricional se asoció significativamente con el tiempo en AFMV (β= -5,13; p=0,04). En el Modelo 2, añadir la información del contexto escolar no modificó el orden de importancia de ningún factor. Sin embargo, la variable estado nutricional sigue estando significativamente asociada con el tiempo en AFMV (β= -5,08; p=0,04). Conclusiones: En conclusión, solo el estado nutricional se asoció con la variación en la AFMV. Si bien las características individuales influyen más en la AFMV que las del contexto escolar, se deben desarrollar políticas para promover la actividad física y controlar el sobrepeso y la obesidad en la escuela, con el objetivo de fomentar la adopción de estilos de vida más activos y saludables. Introdução: Existe um interesse crescente académico e político em promover a saúde das crianças e jovens, garantindo que o ambiente escolar apoia comportamentos saudáveis.Objectivo: O estudo visa descrever e interpretar a variabilidade da actividade física infantil com base nas características individuais e no contexto escolar, utilizando a abordagem de modelação multinível.Metodologia: Foram avaliadas 453 crianças (236 rapazes e 217 raparigas) com idades compreendidas entre os 5 e os 7,5 anos. Foram avaliados os dados antropométricos, a informação sobre o nascimento, a atividade física regular organizada (desporto), a atividade física (AF), o nível socioeconómico e o contexto escolar. Foi utilizado um modelo multinível para identificar efeitos hierárquicos (nível da criança e da escola).Resultados: No modelo (M0) (β=60,54; p<0,01), apenas 1,4% da variância total do nível de AFMV das crianças foi explicada pelas diferenças no contexto escolar, enquanto os restantes 98,6% foram explicados pelos preditores individuais. Após a inclusão dos preditores ao nível da criança (M1), apenas a variável estado nutricional apresentou associação significativa com o tempo em AFMV (β= -5,13; p=0,04). No Modelo 2, a adição de informação sobre o contexto escolar não modificou a ordem de importância de nenhum fator. No entanto, a variável estado nutricional continua significativamente associada ao tempo em AFMV (β= -5,08; p=0,04).Conclusões: Concluindo, apenas o estado nutricional se associou à variação da AFMV. Embora as características individuais influenciem mais a AFMV do que as características do contexto escolar, devem ser desenvolvidas políticas para promover a atividade física e controlar o excesso de peso e a obesidade nas escolas, com o objetivo de incentivar a adoção de estilos de vida mais ativos e saudáveis.

Introduction: Physical fitness (PF) is a key health determinant, linked to cardiometabolic risk, cognitive performance, and mental health. Objective: This study examines how school environment characteristics, physical structures, and policies influence PF in children and adolescents from vulnerable contexts. Method: A total of 1,359 students (707 boys), aged 5–15 years, from 12 public schools in Lagoa do Carro, Pernambuco, Brazil, were assessed. PF was measured using 20-m shuttle run, handgrip strength, sit-and-reach, standing long jump, 20m-dash and shuttle run tests. School environmental characteristics (e.g., physical structure of school and policies and practices related to physical activity and sports) were also obtained. One-way MANOVAs were performed using PF tests as dependent variables, with age, sex, and body mass index as covariates. Results: Urban students outperformed rural peers in handgrip strength and standing long jump. Student from schools with courtyard pillars showed better performance in the 20-m dash, shuttle run, and handgrip strength. The absence of physical obstacles and the presence of larger playgrounds (>50 m²) were associated with superior handgrip and SLJ scores. Intermediate-sized playgrounds (30–49 m²) favored 20-m dash performance. Schools offering extracurricular activities, sports programs, or inter-school competitions consistently exhibited higher aerobic endurance, muscular strength, and agility among students. Conclusion: Physical and policy-driven characteristics of school environments significantly influence PF outcomes in vulnerable youth. Findings highlight the importance of targeted investments in school infrastructure and structured physical activity programs to reduce health and fitness disparities. Introducción: La aptitud física (AF) es un determinante esencial de la salud, asociada al riesgo cardiometabólico, al rendimiento cognitivo y al bienestar mental. Objetivo: Este estudio analiza cómo las características del entorno escolar, las estructuras físicas y las políticas influyen en la AF de niños y adolescentes en contextos vulnerables. Método: Se evaluaron 1.359 estudiantes (707 varones), de 5 a 15 años, de 12 escuelas públicas de Lagoa do Carro, Pernambuco, Brasil. La AF se midió mediante pruebas de carrera de 20 m, fuerza de prensión manual, flexión del tronco, salto horizontal, carrera de velocidad y agilidad. También se recopilaron datos sobre la infraestructura escolar y políticas relacionadas con la actividad física. Se aplicaron MANOVAs unidireccionales, utilizando las pruebas de AF como variables dependientes, controlando por edad, sexo e índice de masa corporal. Resultados: Los alumnos urbanos superaron a los rurales en fuerza de prensión y salto horizontal. Aquellos de escuelas con pilares en el patio obtuvieron mejores resultados en velocidad, agilidad y fuerza. La ausencia de obstáculos físicos y la presencia de patios mayores a 50 m² se asociaron con mejores resultados en fuerza y salto. Patios intermedios (30–49 m²) favorecieron el rendimiento en velocidad. Las escuelas con actividades extracurriculares o competiciones interescolares mostraron mejores niveles de resistencia, fuerza y agilidad. Conclusión: Las condiciones físicas y políticas del entorno escolar influyen significativamente en la AF de jóvenes vulnerables. Se destaca la necesidad de inversiones estratégicas en infraestructura y programas estructurados de actividad física. Introdução: A aptidão física (AF) é um determinante essencial da saúde, associada ao risco cardiometabólico, ao desempenho cognitivo e ao bem-estar mental.Objectivo: Este estudo analisa como as características do ambiente escolar, as estruturas físicas e as políticas influenciam a AF das crianças e adolescentes em contextos vulneráveis.Método: Foram avaliados 1.359 alunos (707 rapazes), com idades compreendidas entre os 5 e os 15 anos, de 12 escolas públicas de Lagoa do Carro, Pernambuco, Brasil. A AF foi medida através de testes de corrida de 20 m, força de preensão manual, flexão do tronco, salto horizontal, sprint e agilidade. Foram também recolhidos dados sobre a infraestrutura escolar e as políticas relacionadas com a atividade física. Foram aplicadas MANOVAs unidirecionais, utilizando os testes de AF como variáveis ​​dependentes, controlando a idade, o sexo e o índice de massa corporal.Resultados: Os alunos da área urbana superaram os alunos da área rural na força de preensão manual e no salto horizontal. Os das escolas com pilares no pátio apresentaram melhor desempenho em velocidade, agilidade e força. A ausência de obstáculos físicos e a presença de pátios escolares com mais de 50 m² estiveram associadas a melhores resultados de força e salto. Os pátios escolares intermédios (30–49 m²) favoreceram o desempenho em velocidade. As escolas com atividades extracurriculares ou competições interescolares apresentaram melhores níveis de resistência, força e agilidade.Conclusão: As condições físicas e as políticas do ambiente escolar influenciam significativamente a atividade física dos jovens vulneráveis. Salienta-se a necessidade de investimentos estratégicos em infraestruturas e programas estruturados de atividade física.

Introduction: Physical fitness (PF) is recognized as a crucial element for fostering various health and performance benefits in children and adolescents. Although PF is determined by genetic and environmental factors, little is known about the degree of influence of these factors on PF expression among siblings. Objective: This study aims to examine the degree of sibling resemblance on PF components as well as estimate the influence of individual and contextual factors on sibling resemblance on PF among Brazilian children. Methodology: The sample comprised 784 pairs of siblings (405 boys; 5-15 years), from Lagoa do Carro, Brazil. PF was assessed with the 20-m shuttle run, standing long jump, handgrip strength, shuttle run, 20-m dash, and sit and reach. Anthropometry, biological maturation, gross motor coordination, and school characteristics were also measured. Results: . In general, sibling intraclass correlations differed significantly across sib-ship types for all PF tests. Same-sex siblings (brother-brother or sister-sister) had higher resemblance in the sit and reach, shuttle run, standing long jump, and 20-m dash tests (ρ between 0.06 and 0.36), while opposite-sex pairs (brother-sister) showed higher resemblance in 20-m shuttle run, handgrip, and total PF tests (ρ between 0.05 and 0.27). Further, both individual and school characteristics were associated with the magnitude of sibling resemblance. Conclusions: Our results show significant sibling resemblance in PF traits in Brazilian children. In addition, individual and school characteristics are associated with different PF traits and influence the magnitude of intrapair shared variance, especially for brother-brother siblings.

This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Physical Literacy Knowledge (PLK) questionnaire from Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy-2 for Portuguese version, and to evaluate its psychometric properties (construct validation, content, composite reliability, measurement invariance) in low-income Brazilian children. The sample comprised of 562 children (247 girls), aged between 8.00 and 12.99 years-old (10.20±1.20 years), enrolled in the 12 public-school in Lagoa do Carro city, Pernambuco, Brazil. A translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the PLK questionnaire was carried out. Content validity was determined by calculating the content validity coefficient, which assesses the relevance, clarity and pertinence of total (CVCt) and each question individually (CVCi). The dimensional structure of the PLK and alternative models were considered with first and second order models. Internal consistency was assessed using composite reliability. Structural invariance (configural, metric, scalar and strict) between sexes was also assessed using a multigroup factor analysis. Content validity was considered acceptable, varying between 0.88 and 1.00 for CVCi, and 0.91, 0.94 and 0.99 for clarity, pertinence and relevance in the CVCt, respectively. Construct validity was considered adequate, with 3 dimensions and 9 items model being the most appropriate [χ²(df)=34.01(24); CFI=0.92; TLI=0.87; RMSEA=0.03; SRMR=0.04; 90%CIRMSEA=0.00-0.05]. The questionnaire was structurally invariant (all ΔCFI<0.05). Based on the findings, the PLK questionnaire has adequate psychometric properties to assess the cognitive domain of Physical Literacy in low-income Brazilian children. Key-words: Physical Literacy; Cognition; Children; Psychometry; Child Development.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) affects many tissues and contributes to the development and severity of chronic diseases. In contrast, regular physical exercise (PE) has been considered a powerful tool to prevent and control several chronic diseases. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of different PE protocols on ER stress markers in central and peripheral tissues in rodents. The eligibility criteria were based on PICOS (population: rodents; intervention: physical exercise/physical training; control: animals that did not undergo training; outcomes: endoplasmic reticulum stress; studies: experimental). The PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, and Scielo databases were analyzed systematically. Quality assessment was performed using SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool for animal studies. The results were qualitatively synthesized. Initially, we obtained a total of 2.490 articles. After excluding duplicates, 30 studies were considered eligible. Sixteen studies were excluded for not meeting the eligibility criteria. Therefore, 14 articles were included. The PE protocol showed decreased levels/expression of markers of ER stress in the central and peripheral tissues of rodents. PE can decrease ER stress by reducing cellular stress in the cardiac, brain, and skeletal muscle tissues in rodents. However, robust PE protocols must be considered, including frequency, duration, and intensity, to optimize the PE benefits of counteracting ER stress and its associated conditions.

The objective of this study was to compare the motor competence of children in different environments, namely private and public schools. This study looked at a representative sample of preschool children (3-5 years) the city of Recife-PE. We included all subjects who completed the Test of Gross Motor Development - 2. The groups were made up of children from private schools (n = 161; 95 boys), and public (n = 131; 63 boys). Data analysis used analysis of variance (ANOVA Two-Way), by adopting a p ≤ 0.05. In general, private school children had superior performance. When analyzed gender differences, boys were higher. The results suggest that children of different school environments appear to differ in their motor competence. Therefore, we suggest that future studies assessing the characteristics of space used and the intensity and duration of activities that children are involved.

From 1985 to 2016, the prevalence of underweight decreased, and that of obesity and severe obesity increased, in most regions, with significant variation in the magnitude of these changes across regions. We investigated how much change in mean body mass index (BMI) explains changes in the prevalence of underweight, obesity, and severe obesity in different regions using data from 2896 population-based studies with 187 million participants. Changes in the prevalence of underweight and total obesity, and to a lesser extent severe obesity, are largely driven by shifts in the distribution of BMI, with smaller contributions from changes in the shape of the distribution. In East and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the underweight tail of the BMI distribution was left behind as the distribution shifted. There is a need for policies that address all forms of malnutrition by making healthy foods accessible and affordable, while restricting unhealthy foods through fiscal and regulatory restrictions.

The aim of this study was to verify differences between boys contrasting in futsal practice level groups on gross motor coordination and growth indicators. A sample of 196 boys aged 11 to 14 years was measured for anthropometric variables and Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK). Results revealed that there were no significant associations of the futsal practice level on growth parameters. On the other hand, ANCOVA results (chronological age as a covariate) indicated that boys participating in futsal practice ≥ 2 days/week had significantly better performances in jumping sideways, hoping for height, and total score of KTK than their less practicing counterparts. These findings encourage the most frequent practice of sports for the development of gross motor coordination. Keywords: Motor skills; Adolescent; Maturation; Sport.