Body Composition and Non-invasive Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Urban and Rural Students: The Impact of Regular Physical Activity and Diet Behavior
Fábio Nascimento-da-Silva *
Stricto Sensu Post-Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences of Anhanguera Pitágoras Unopar University, Londrina, Brazil.
João Rafael Valentim-Silva
University of Vassouras, Saquarema, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Education and Technology College of Amazon, Pará, Brazil.
Alexandro Andrade
State University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
Vernon Furtado-da-Silva
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Education and Technology College of Amazon, Pará, Brazil.
Jessica Ohrana Façanha Bastos Peres
Lato Sensu Program in University Teaching at Uninassau University of Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
Ana Paula de Sousa Almeida
Stricto Sensu Post-Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences of Anhanguera Pitágoras Unopar University, Londrina, Brazil.
Alanderson Alves Ramalho
Stricto Sensu Post-Graduate Program in Colective Health of Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco, Brazil.
Andréia Moreira de Andrade
Stricto Sensu Post-Graduate Program in Colective Health of Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco, Brazil.
Juliano Casonatto
Stricto Sensu Post-Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences of Anhanguera Pitágoras Unopar University, Londrina, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study aims to investigate and compare these factors among children, including physical activity time, blood pressure, and screen time, in both urban and rural areas, utilizing non-invasive methods related to cardiovascular risk.
Study Design: We proposed an ex-post-facto and quantitative study.
Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Students selected from two regions of Rondônia (Brazil), between August 2023 and December 2023.
Methodology: After we recruited a total of 1045 schoolchildren aged 8 to 14 years, with 545 in the urban area and 500 in the rural area. The "Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire" (QQFA) assessed the quality and quantity of food consumed over a year. Additionally, the "Self-Administered Physical Activity" (SAPAC) questionnaire evaluated daily physical activity time and sedentary behavior. Body composition of the children was also assessed.
Results: Children in rural areas demonstrated higher levels of physical activity (p < 0.05), with greater intensity (p < 0.05), and exhibited a preference for natural foods, including animal fat and unprocessed juices (p < 0.05). Moreover, they displayed lower body fat accumulation (p < 0.05), lower body mass (p < 0.05), lower BMI (p < 0.05), smaller waist circumference (p < 0.05), and improved waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.05) and waist-to-height ratio (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in blood pressure values (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Non-invasive factors related to the development of cardiovascular diseases are more prevalent among urban schoolchildren compared to their rural counterparts. These factors are associated with a sedentary lifestyle and the quality and quantity of food consumed.
Keywords: Intense exercise, eat behavior, leasure physical activity, food consumption