Vasquez Fabian, Salazar Gabriela, Vasquez Sofia, Torres Jorge
School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Finis Terrae University, Providencia 7501014, Chile.
Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago 8330111, Chile.
Nutrients. 2025 Jan 3;17(1):182. doi: 10.3390/nu17010182.
Cardiovascular diseases increasingly impact youth, with early development of risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and inadequate nutrient intake. Proper nutrient intake and physical fitness are vital for reducing these risks, especially in pediatric populations. This study explores the connection between physical fitness, metabolic risk, and nutrient status among 1656 Chilean schoolchildren from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Anthropometric measures included weight, height, skinfold thickness, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Physical fitness was assessed via handgrip strength, standing long jump, and a six-minute walk test. Nutrient intake was also evaluated, and a composite metabolic risk score was calculated based on waist circumference, skinfolds, and blood pressure. Boys consistently outperformed girls in physical fitness tests, including grip strength and horizontal jump, with differences becoming more pronounced in higher grades and Tanner stages. Girls exhibited higher subcutaneous fat levels and obesity prevalence during later grades, highlighting gender-specific patterns in body composition. Better physical fitness was associated with lower waist circumference, skinfold thickness, and metabolic risk scores. A moderate correlation between aerobic fitness (distance/height) and blood pressure (r = 0.27, = 0.01) was observed. Z-Score MR analysis revealed that students in the lowest fitness tertile exhibited significantly higher cardiovascular risk profiles compared to their fitter peers. Physical fitness plays a critical role in reducing cardiovascular risk in children. The findings underscore the importance of promoting gender- and age-specific interventions that include both aerobic and strength-based physical activities. Comprehensive school programs focusing on nutrition and physical activity are essential to mitigating cardiovascular risk and promoting long-term health outcomes. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to establish causal relationships and evaluate the impact of targeted interventions.
心血管疾病对年轻人的影响日益增加，肥胖、高血压和营养摄入不足等风险因素出现得越来越早。适当的营养摄入和身体健康对于降低这些风险至关重要，尤其是在儿童群体中。本研究探讨了1656名来自不同社会经济背景的智利学童的身体健康、代谢风险和营养状况之间的联系。人体测量指标包括体重、身高、皮褶厚度、腰围和血压。通过握力、立定跳远和六分钟步行测试来评估身体健康状况。还评估了营养摄入情况，并根据腰围、皮褶厚度和血压计算了综合代谢风险评分。在包括握力和跳远在内的体能测试中，男孩的表现始终优于女孩，在高年级和坦纳分期中差异更为明显。在较高年级时，女孩的皮下脂肪水平和肥胖患病率更高，这突出了身体成分方面的性别差异模式。更好的身体健康状况与较低的腰围、皮褶厚度和代谢风险评分相关。观察到有氧适能（距离/身高）与血压之间存在中度相关性（r = 0.27，P = 0.01）。Z评分代谢风险分析显示，体能处于最低三分位数的学生与体能较好的同龄人相比，心血管风险状况显著更高。身体健康在降低儿童心血管风险方面起着关键作用。研究结果强调了促进针对性别和年龄的干预措施的重要性，这些措施包括有氧和力量型体育活动。侧重于营养和体育活动的综合学校计划对于减轻心血管风险和促进长期健康结果至关重要。建议未来进行纵向研究以建立因果关系并评估针对性干预措施的影响。
