Özet:

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical fitness and body composition in children and adolescents in the Rio de Janeiro city. Participated in this study, 51 students of a municipal school, aged between 13 and 16 years, among them, 26boys and 25 girls. Materials and Methods: To assess physical fitness and body composition, a battery of tests consisting of anamnesis for risk stratification, blood pressure measurement, and a questionnaire to assess the fitness level was used. After this procedure, anthropometric measurements and the Fitnessgram tests were applied. Results: After data analysis, it was observed that a) most of participants are evaluated with body composition and physical fitness levels below that are considered ideal; b) a larger number of girls showed a lower level of fitness when compared to boys; c) boys are more physically active than girls. Conclusions: We concluded that the reduced practice in childhood and adolescence physical activity can lead to low fitness levels and weight excess, cooperating to a less healthy adulthood. Another important factor was the difference observed between the two genders, and girls the most physically inactive. Thus, it is important to develop policies to encourage sporting practice in adolescents, especially those from less privileged economic class. Social projects, NGOs and others that offer free activities to the popular classes could include activities without a competitive bias, or historically attributed to women, such as synchronized swimming, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and dance, to stimulate the participation of a larger number of girls.

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