Abstract
The aim of this study is to define the correlation between the variables for nutritional status in children with those for physical activity estimates. Regular physical activity is the only habit that helps reduce the risk of obesity. Insufficient physical activity in children and young adults negatively impacts the development of their abilities and knowledge as well as their health.
The research participants were 189 first and second grade students, of whom 93 were girls and 96 were boys between the ages of 7 and 9. The questionnaire “Fels physical activity questionnaire for children” (FPAQ) was used to estimate the amount of students’ physical activity in their free time. The index of sports (IS), free time (ISV), house chores (IKP) and physical activity sum (UTA) were calculated based on their answers. Anthropometric measurements like height, weight, body mass index and body fat index were used to estimate their body constitution. Omron BF500 Body Composition Monitor was used for these measurements. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the relation between the nutritional status and physical activity.
The results show that 68.75% of boys and 66.67% of girls are of normal nutritional status. Also, 29.1% of first and second grade boys are either of excessive weight or overweight. In girls this percentage is somewhat lower (21.51%), but is still relatively high. Pearson’s coefficient shows significant correlation between body mass index and sweating (0.16%). Sweating is also related to body fat index (0.15%). The research did not show any correlation between physical activity and body fat index. The results show very low values with several significant positive correlations indicating that physical activity has a great impact on body constitution.
All the research on physical activity in children indicates a negative trend in daily physical activity participation. Insufficient physical activity in children and young adults is becoming increasingly expressed, and is becoming a serious health issue in which becoming overweight is directly correlated with insufficient physical activity
Key words: physical activity,body composition, obesity, students, school
