Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Related with Physical Fitness and Physical Activity in Schoolchildren Aged 6–13

Abstract

The relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and both physical fitness (PF) and physical activity (PA) level has been analysed in several studies. The aim of this research was to describe, compare and analyse the level of PF and PA in schoolchildren aged 6–13 in the Region of Murcia, according to adherence to the MD. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 370 schoolchildren (44.9% girls) aged 6–13 (8.7 ± 1.8) from six primary schools in the Region of Murcia (Spain). Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and teenagers (KIDMED) was used to determinate the adherence to the MD. The ALPHA-FIT Test Battery was applied for assess body composition and PF. PA level was determined using Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Only 25.9% of the schoolchildren had optimal adherence to the MD. Regarding the scores of the different PF tests in MD groups, only statistically significant differences were found for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) (p = 0.048) in boys. PA level showed statistically significant differences in both boys (p = 0.040) and girls (p = 0.016). A positive relationship was found between the KIDMED and PA level (p = 0.235). A higher probability of having a greater CRF (OR = 1.17; CI = 1.02–1.34) and PA level (OR = 7.84; CI = 2.84–21.60) was found in high MD group. These results suggest that an optimal adherence to the MD is associated with higher CRF and PA level in the selected schoolchildren.

Relationship Between the Practice of Physical Activity and Physical Fitness in Physical Education Students: The Integrated Regulation As a Mediating Variable

“…However, there were no significant differences in the BMI or any of the other anthropometric measures. These results are consistent with those previously reported by other studies (Jaakkola et al, 2015;Fang et al, 2017;Fernández-Bustos et al, 2019;López-Gil et al, 2020). Conversely, no significant differences were observed between genders when comparing PA levels, which is not in accordance with previous research studies where evidences of higher PA practice levels for boys were reported (Owen et al, 2009;Riddoch et al, 2009;Collings et al, 2013;Griffiths et al, 2013;Voss et al, 2017).…”

“…When the subject did not reach the end line twice following the acoustic signal or stopped completely due to the fatigue, the test was finished. Léger's et al (1988) equations were used in order to transform the states to relative MOC values (López-Gil et al, 2020).…”

“…Measuring tape and marker cones were used to perform the test. The best score of two attempts was used for further analysis (López-Gil et al, 2020). The sit and reach test was performed following specific instructions.…”

“…Physical fitness is defined as the set of attributes that are achieved or possessed in relation to the ability to perform PA (Pate, 1988;López-Gil et al, 2020) or exercise with a certain skill influencing the sports performance (Schutte et al, 2016). It is considered an essential prerequisite for both, the development of daily activities without fatigue and the participation and performance of activities in free-time and leisure (Cvejic et al, 2013;Rauner et al, 2013;Schutte et al, 2016).…”

“…It is considered an essential prerequisite for both, the development of daily activities without fatigue and the participation and performance of activities in free-time and leisure (Cvejic et al, 2013;Rauner et al, 2013;Schutte et al, 2016). The PF components within the health area, are cardio-respiratory, muscular and motor fitness, flexibility and body composition (Rauner et al, 2013;Kolimechkov, 2017;López-Gil et al, 2020).…”