Avaliação da capacidade funcional através do shuttle walk test e correlação com parâmetros bioquímicos no sangue em crianças e adolescentes obesos

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the functional capacity of obese children and adolescents compared with normal-weight individuals and investigate possible relationships with biochemical parameters in the blood. Methods: In this study were included children and adolescents, between 6 and 18 years, divided into control (eutrophic) and obese groups according to body mass index (BMI). Data were collected regarding demographic, anthropometric, waist circumference and functional capacity through the Shuttle Walk Test (SWT). In the obese group were evaluated biochemical parameters in the blood (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose), and the application of a physical activity questionnaire. For statistical analysis were used the chi-square test, Student's t test for independent samples and the Pearson correlation test. Results: 77 participants were included, 27 in the control group and 50 obese. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding sample characteristics, except for body weight, BMI and waist circumference. Most obese presented results of biochemical tests within the desirable limit, though none were considered active. There was a significant reduction (p <0.001) functional capacity in obese group compared to control subjects. Positive correlations were identified SWT with age and height, and negative correlation with BMI. However, there were no correlations with the biochemical parameters analyzed. Conclusions: Obese children and adolescents have reduced physical capacity when compared to normal individuals. The SWT performance seems to have a negative association with BMI, but is not correlated with the blood biochemical parameters.