Rossana Gómez-Campos

Association between dietary habits and the presence of overweight/obesity in a sample of 21,385 Chilean adolescents

AIM The main aim of the present study was to explore the potential associations between dietary habits and the presence of overweight and obesity in Chilean adolescents. METHODS For the present study dietary habits of 21,385 Chilean students were analyzed and weight and height assessed, in order to determine potential associations between eating patterns and body mass index (BMI) values. RESULTS The majority of participants have lunch and a snack in the afternoon every day a week (81% and 71.2%, respectively), although only a 59.5% have breakfast every day and a 22% have dinner every night. To have breakfast is common for thin and normal weight subjects, but only a half of overweight and obese individuals usually have it. The obese is the group having less dairy products. A 50.2% of all subjects have legumes once or never in a week. Around a 15% have sweets all days and nearly a 50% of all the participants consume fizzy drinks every day of the week. Interestingly, having breakfast was found to be associated with less truancy. CONCLUSIONS Nutritional education strategies should be carried out within students in Chile, since inadequate dietary habits are related to the higher values of BMI.

Influence of parents and physical education teachers in adolescent physical activity

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of parents and Physical Education teachers on adolescents extracurricular Physical Activity. Data were obtained from the Chilean System for the Assessment of Educational Quality test with a large representative sample of 23,180 students (11,927 females and 11,253 males aged 13.7 and 13.8 years respectively). The analyzed variables were the extracurricular physical activity of adolescents, parents’ and physical education teachers’ encouragement to do physical activity and parents’ physical activity behavior. Associations between variables were analyzed using chi-squared tests. Two logistic regression models, one adjusted and the other unadjusted, were performed for each physical activity variable (vigorous, moderate, mild and total) in order to obtain odds ratios from parents’ and physical education teachers’ influence variables. Results showed that parents’ influence is more relevant than physical education teachers’ influence in order to promote physical activity in adolescents, regardless of age, sex and physical condition.

Linear and nonlinear relationships between body mass index and physical fitness in Brazilian children and adolescents

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the linear and curvilinear relationship between body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness in children and adolescents.

Waist Circumferences of Chilean Students: Comparison of the CDC-2012 Standard and Proposed Percentile Curves

The measurement of waist circumference (WC) is considered to be an important means to control overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. The objectives of the study were to (a) compare the WC measurements of Chilean students with the international CDC-2012 standard and other international standards, and (b) propose a specific measurement value for the WC of Chilean students based on age and sex. A total of 3892 students (6 to 18 years old) were assessed. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and WC were measured. WC was compared with the CDC-2012 international standard. Percentiles were constructed based on the LMS method. Chilean males had a greater WC during infancy. Subsequently, in late adolescence, males showed values lower than those of the international standards. Chilean females demonstrated values similar to the standards until the age of 12. Subsequently, females showed lower values. The 85th and 95th percentiles were adopted as cutoff points for evaluating overweight and obesity based on age and sex. The WC of Chilean students differs from the CDC-2012 curves. The regional norms proposed are a means to identify children and adolescents with a high risk of suffering from overweight and obesity disorders.

Growth and body composition in Brazilian female rhythmic gymnastics athletes

Abstract The aim was to analyse the physical growth and body composition of rhythmic gymnastics athletes relative to their level of somatic maturation. This was a cross-sectional study of 136 athletes on 23 teams from Brazil. Mass, standing height and sitting height were measured. Fat-free and fat masses, body fat percentages and ages of the predicted peak height velocity (PHV) were calculated. The z scores for mass were negative during all ages according to both WHO and Brazilian references, and that for standing height were also negative for all ages according to WHO reference but only until 12 years old according to Brazilian reference. The mean age of the predicted PHV was 12.1 years. The mean mass, standing and sitting heights, body fat percentage, fat-free mass and fat mass increased significantly until 4 to 5 years after the age of the PHV. Menarche was reached in only 26% of these athletes and mean age was 13.2 years. The mass was below the national reference standards, and the standing height was below only for the international reference, but they also had late recovery of mass and standing height during puberty. In conclusion, these athletes had a potential to gain mass and standing height several years after PHV, indicating late maturation.

Capacidad cardio-respiratoria de niños escolares que viven a moderada altitud

OBJECTIVE To determine the cardiorespiratory capacity of school children living at moderate altitude. PATIENTS AND METHOD 795 children (394 children and 401 girls) were selected from urban public schools in Arequipa, Peru at moderate altitude (2,320 m). Anthropometric variables (body mass, height, body fat percentage) and cardiorespiratory capacity were assessed using the Course Navette test, considering the following categories: deficient, poor, fair, good, very good and excellent. RESULTS The results showed significant differences in all categories (p<0.05). It was described that the median values of the poor and deficient categories in both gender were lower than what is considered acceptable (p<0.05). It was concluded that 19% of boys and 21% of girls showed low level of cardiorespiratory capacity and a low negative correlation with overweight (r=-0.20 to -0.22) and a moderate negative correlation with obesity (r=-0.39 to -0.42) were described for both genders. CONCLUSIONS Low levels of cardiorespiratory capacity in boys and girls living at moderate altitude are observed, which is negatively correlated with excess body weight. The results suggest that 1 in 5 children are likely to suffer some type of cardiovascular event.Objetivo: Determinar la capacidad cardio-respiratoria de ninos escolares que viven a moderada altitud. Pacientes y Metodo: Fueron seleccionados 795 ninos (394 ninos y 401 ninas) de escuelas publicas del area urbana de moderada altitud (2.320 msnm) de Arequipa, Peru. Se evaluaron variables antropometricas (masa corporal, estatura, porcentaje de grasa) y capacidad cardio-respiratoria a traves del test indirecto de Course Navette, considerando las siguientes categorias: deficiente, malo, aceptable, bueno, muy bueno y excelente. Resultados: Los resultados muestran diferencias significativas en todas las categorias (p < 0,05). Se verifico que los valores medios de las categorias malo y deficiente en ambos sexos son inferiores a los de la categoria aceptable (p < 0,05). Se determino que el 19% de ninos y 21% de ninas mostraron bajo nivel de capacidad cardio-respiratoria, ademas se verifico correlacion negativa baja con la categoria sobrepeso (r = -0,20 a -0,22) y moderada con la obesidad (r = -0,39 a -0,42) en ambos sexos. Conclusiones: Existen bajos niveles de capacidad cardio-respiratoria en ninos de ambos sexos ninos escolares que viven a moderada altitud, que se correlaciona negativamente con el exceso de peso corporal. Los resultados sugieren que uno de cada 5 ninos se encuentra con posibilidades de padecer algun evento de indole cardiovascular.

Reference norms for evaluating maximum expiratory flow of children and adolescents of the Maule Region in Chile

Background The norms for evaluating the maximum expiratory flow (MEF) usually are developed according to chronological age and height. However, to date, little research has been conducted using reference values that take into account the temporal changes of biological maturation. The objectives of this study were to (a) compare the MEF with those of other international studies, (b) align the MEF values with chronological and biological age, and (c) propose reference standards for children and adolescents. Methods The sample studied consisted of 3,566 students of both sexes (1,933 males and 1,633 females) ranging in age from 5.0 to 17.9 years old. Weight, standing height, and sitting height were measured. Body mass index was calculated. Biological maturation was predicted by using age of peak height velocity growth (APHV). MEF (L/min) was obtained by using a forced expiratory manoeuvre. Percentiles were calculated using the LMS method. Results and Discussion Predicted APHV was at age 14.77 ± 0.78 years for males and for females at age 12.74 ± 1.0 years. Biological age was more useful than chronological age for assessing MEF in both sexes. Based on these findings, regional percentiles were created to diagnose and monitor the risk of asthma and the general expiratory status of paediatric populations.

Normative data for handgrip strength in children and adolescents in the Maule Region, Chile: Evaluation based on chronological and biological age

Background Hand grip strength (HGS) is associated with a number of causes resulting in cardiovascular death, in addition to bone fragility, and the presence of sarcopenia. The goal of our study was to analyze HGS of students based on chronological and biological age and propose normative standards for children and adolescents from Chile. Methods We studied 4604 school children of both sexes between the ages of 6.0 and 17.9 years of age. Weight, standing height, sitting height, and hand grip strength (HGS- right and left) were measured. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated, and the biological age was calculated by using age at peak height velocity (APHV). Results When arranged by chronological age, no significant differences occurred in HGS between both sexes of school children from age 6 to 12 years of age. However, from ages 13 to 17, males showed greater HGS than females. Significant differences also emerged between both sexes and at all levels for biological age (APHV). For males, chronological age explained the HGS occurring between 0.74 to 0.75% and for females between 0.54 to 0.59%. For males, biological age explained the HGS for the range of 0.79 to 0.80% and 0.62 to 0.67% for females. The normative data for HGS for both sexes is expressed in percentiles. Conclusions HGS during childhood and adolescence needs be analyzed and interpreted in terms of biological age rather than chronological age. The normative data to evaluate the HGS are a tool that can help professionals working in clinical and epidemiological contexts.

Body mass index and physical fitness in Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE Evaluate the relationship between body mass index and physical fitness in a cross-sectional sample of Brazilian youth. METHODS Participants were 3849 adolescents (2027 girls) aged 10-17 years. Weight and height were measured; body mass index was calculated. Physical fitness was evaluated with a multistage 20m shuttle run (cardiovascular endurance), standing long jump (power), and push-ups (upper body strength). Participants were grouped by sex into four age groups: 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, and 16-17 years. Sex-specific ANOVA was used to evaluate differences in each physical fitness item among weight status categories by age group. Relationships between body mass index and each physical fitness item were evaluated with quadratic regression models by age group within each sex. RESULTS The physical fitness of thin and normal youth was, with few exceptions, significantly better than the physical fitness of overweight and obese youth in each age group by sex. On the other hand, physical fitness performances did not consistently differ, on average, between thin and normal weight and between overweight and obese youths. Results of the quadratic regressions indicated a curvilinear (parabolic) relationship between body mass index and each physical fitness item in most age groups. Better performances were attained by adolescents in the mid-range of the body mass index distribution, while performances of youth at the low and high ends of the body mass index distribution were lower. CONCLUSION Relationships between the body mass index and physical fitness were generally nonlinear (parabolic) in youth 10-17 years.

Proposed equations and reference values for calculating bone health in children and adolescent based on age and sex

Background The Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for measuring BMD and bone mineral content (BMC). In general, DXA is ideal for pediatric use. However, the development of specific standards for particular geographic regions limits its use and application for certain socio-cultural contexts. Additionally, the anthropometry may be a low cost and easy to use alternative method in epidemiological contexts. The goal of our study was to develop regression equations for predicting bone health of children and adolescents based on anthropometric indicators to propose reference values based on age and sex. Methods 3020 students (1567 males and 1453 females) ranging in ages 4.0 to 18.9 were studied from the Maule Region (Chile). Anthropometric variables evaluated included: weight, standing height, sitting height, forearm length, and femur diameter. A total body scan (without the head) was conducted by means of the Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. Bone mineral density (BMD) and the bone mineral content (BMC) were also determined. Calcium consumption was controlled for by recording the intake of the three last days prior to the evaluation. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated, and somatic maturation was determined by using the years of peak growth rate (APHV). Results Four regression models were generated to calculate bone health: for males BMD = (R2 = 0.79) and BMC = (R2 = 0.84) and for the females BMD = (R2 = 0.76) and BMC = (R2 = 0.83). Percentiles were developed by using the LMS method (p3, p5, p15, p25, p50, p75, p85, p95 and p97). Conclusions Regression equations and reference curves were developed to assess the bone health of Chilean children and adolescents. These instruments help identify children with potential underlying problems in bone mineralization during the growth stage and biological maturation.