Victor Keihan Rodrigues Matsudo

Association between knee alignment, body mass index and physical fitness variables among students: a cross-sectional study

Objective To assess the association between malalignment of the knees (genu valgum) and variables of physical fitness among schoolchildren. Methods We analyzed data collected between the years 2000 to 2009. The sample comprised 1,141 schoolchildren of both sexes aged 06 to 18 years. To participate in the research, the students must meet the following criteria: age between 6 and 18 years and a full assessment of physical fitness, including measurement of genu valgus in at least one of the semester assessments. Postural evaluation (valgus) was determined by the intermalleolar distance, in centimeter. Body Mass Index (BMI) determined through the growth curves of the World Health Organization. Physical fitness variables (strength of upper and lower limbs, agility, speed and flexibility), were taken according to CELAFISCS standardization. Results Among male students it was found a prevalence of 23.2% obese, 44.4% overweight and 32.4% eutrophic. Among females, the values were: 30.9% obese, overweight 39.5% and 20.6% eutrophic. When analyzing the prevalence of valgus according to the BMI classifications it was, found a significant positive association in both sexes. Association was found between genu valgum and upper limbs strength only in crude analysis. The other variables, agility, speed and flexibility were not associated even when the analysis was adjusted. Conclusion there was a positive association between malalignment of the knees, body mass index and physical fitness among schoolchildren.

Stability of physical fitness and functional capacity in physically active women aged 50 to 89 years

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a physical activity program and the stability of physical fitness and functional capacity in physically active adult women. Thirty-four adult women aged 50-89 years, who participated in a physical activity group at Camilo Castelo Branco University, were studied. Criteria for inclusion were attendance of at least 75% of the classes (3x/week) and undergoing at least one assessment per year between 2005 and 2007. All evaluations were conducted in June. Anthropometric (body weight, height, waist-hip ratio), neuromotor (rising from a chair in seconds, rising from a chair in 30 seconds, elbow flexion, shuttle-run, static and dynamic balance), and metabolic parameters (2-min step in place test according to the CELAFISCS standard) were evaluated. One-way ANOVA followed by the post hoc Scheffe test, delta percentage and Spearman’s rho correlation were used for data analysis, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. In the three evaluations, body weight, body mass index and waist-hip ratio indicated overweight. Analysis of functional capacity showed a significant increase in upper (42%) and lower (5.2%) limb strength and in balance (14.1%) when comparing the results from 2005 to 2007. The same was not observed for agility (2.1%). For body mass index, waist-hip ratio, strength and static balance, stability ranged from 0.26 to 0.91 (p<0.05. The physical activity program contributed to the maintenance of physical fitness and functional capacity in adult women.