ABSTRACT The study aimed to estimate sex differences in body mass index (BMI), motor competence (MC), health-related physical fitness (HRPF), perceived motor competence (PMC), and physical activity (PA) and to identify individual predictors associated with overweight in Brazilian children. A cross-sectional study was conducted, sampling 217 Brazilian children aged between 6-10 years old. PA was measured through pedometers. MC and PMC were estimated, respectively, by the Test of Gross Motor Development (2nd edition) battery and the Pictographic Scale of Perceived Competence Assessment in Motor Skills, while the HRPF was estimated through the curl up, push up, horizontal jump, sit and reach, and 6-minute walk/run tests. Height and weight were measured, and BMI was computed. Statistical analyses involved the use of the Mann Whitney U test and multiple logistic regression. Sex differences were observed for HRPF score, mean of weekend steps and total steps/week, favouring boys (p< 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that MC (OR= 0.97; 95%CI 0.92– 0.98) and HRPF (OR= 0.78; 95%CI 0.66– 0.93) were significantly associated with overweight, while any significant association were observed for PA and PMC. Results highlight that increases in MC and HRPF reduced the chances of children being overweight.

Esse estudo objetivou determinar a aptidão física relacionada à saúde em escolares de um município de pequeno porte do interior do Brasil. A amostra foi composta por 56 escolares (27 do sexo masculino), regularmente matriculados no ensino fundamental da única escola do município. Foram realizados testes clínicos (pressão arterial e frequência cardíaca), antropométrico (massa corporal, estatura e dobras cutâneas) e motor (flexibilidade, força/resistência abdominal, força de membros superiores e aptidão cardiorrespiratória). Nos escontramos que a idade média foi de 13,10 ± 1,06 anos, e os resultados apontaram diferença entre os sexos apenas nas variáveis de percentual de gordura, sendo maior no sexo feminino (p<0,001). Foram encontradas força abdominal e força de membros superiores maiores no sexo masculino (p<0,001), respectivamente. Em conclusão, o percentual de gordura foi maior nas mulheres e a força abdominal e força de membros superiores foram maiores nos homens. Escolaridade dos pais e renda familiar, não apresentaram diferenças significativas.

This study aimed to determine health-related physical fitness in school children of a small town in the interior of Brazil. The sample was comprised of 56 schools (27 male), enrolled in the elementary school of the city. Were performed clinical trials (arterial pressure and heart rate), anthropometric (body mass, stature and skin folds) and motor (flexibility, strength/endurance, strength of upper abdominal and cardiorespiratory fitness). We found the mean age was 13.10 ± 1.06 years, and the results showed difference between sexes only in body fat percentage variable, being higher in females (p<0.001). Abdominal strength and upper limbs strength were found of higher in males (p<0.001), respectively. In conclusion, the body fat percentage was higher in females and the abdominal strength and upper limb strength were higher in males. No significant differences were observed for parental education and family income.