OBJECTIVE: To study the behavior of sex and age and fat mass effects on aerobic capacity of young adolescents. METHODS: The 621 students participating in the study (14 to 17 years, female: n = 329, age 15.84 ± 0.92 years, male: n = 292, age 15.82 ± 0.87 years) were evaluated in two categories: morphology (height, body mass and % fat mass - %FM) and physical fitness (aerobic capacity). The anthropometric measurements were performed according to the protocol described by Marfell-Jones and %FM was calculated by bioelectrical impedance. The assessment of aerobic capacity was performed with the aerobic running test (PACER), and relative VO2max was calculated using the equation of Leger. The evaluation results were classified according to the normative values of the FITNESSGRAM® reference tables. The statistical techniques used were: 1) calculation of frequencies; 2) Student t-test for independent samples; and 3) two-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Bonferroni HSD. RESULTS: 1) there are significant differences between genders with regard to %FM and VO2max; 2) during adolescence a stabilization of VO2max was observed in boys and a decline in girls; 3) regardless of gender, the class of %FM and chronological age have a significant effect on aerobic capacity; and 4) in young people (adolescents) with %FM risk, the reduction of %FM to healthy levels seems to result in improved aerobic capacity. CONCLUSION: The impact of %FM in aerobic capacity reinforces the importance of physical education in promoting cardiovascular health.
obesity; physical fitness; health; adolescent
