A multi-level analysis of individual- and school-level correlates of physical fitness in children. (17th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santos, Carla; Carolina Reyes, Ana; Moura-Dos-Santos, Marcos André; Pereira, Sara; Natacha Gomes, Thayse; Tani, Go; Vasconcelos, Olga; Chaves, Raquel N.; Garganta, Rui; Barreira, Tiago V.; Katzmarzyk, Peter T.; Maia, José
• Is Part Of: Annals of human biology. Volume 45:Number 6/8(2018)
• Page Start: 470
• Page End: 477
• Publication Date: 2018-11-17
• Subjects: Children -- physical fitness -- school context -- multi-level modelling; Human biology -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2018.1549684
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4460

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Children's physical fitness is potentially influenced by biological, behavioural and environmental factors. Aim: To investigate the importance of individual-level and school-level characteristics in explaining variation in children's physical fitness. Subjects and methods: The sample comprised 354 Portuguese children, aged 5–10 years. Physical fitness [(handgrip (HG) strength, standing long jump (SLJ), shuttle-run (SR), total physical fitness score (PFz)], gross motor coordination (GMC) and body mass index (BMI) were assessed. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was objectively monitored; birth weight and socio-economic status (SES) were obtained by questionnaire. School contexts were assessed via an objective audit. Multilevel models using the Bayesian approach were used. Results: Age was positively associated with HG, SLJ and PFz ( p < 0.05); BMI was positively associated with HG ( p < 0.05) and GMC with all physical fitness components ( p < 0.05); MVPA was only associated with PFz ( p < 0.05); children with level A SES outperformed those with level C SES in HG ( p < 0.05), but those with level B SES outperformed their level A SES peers in SR ( p < 0.05). Within the school context, no equipment for physical education was negatively associated with HG ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: In the primary school years, individual-level characteristics were more important than the school context in explaining variations in physical fitness.