Nível de aptidão física de estudantes do Ensino Médio Integrado ao Técnico em um Instituto Federal do Piauí

Abstract

Health-related physical fitness is associated with the ability to perform daily activities with vigor while reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Therefore, assessing it is crucial for understanding and addressing public health issues, as well as for guiding the planning of physical activity programs and targeted interventions to improve individuals’ lifestyles and health. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the level of health-related physical fitness among high school students enrolled in the integrated technical program at the Federal Institute of Piauí (IFPI) – Picos Campus. A quantitative, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted, utilizing analysis and evaluation through observation with direct researcher interaction with the sample population. Data collection was carried out using the battery of tests from the School Health Assessment Program, “Projeto Esporte Brasil.” To characterize the data, a descriptive statistical analysis of the sample was performed, using measures of central tendency (mean) and dispersion (standard deviation). For the analysis of the indicators, the cutoff points available in the PROESP-Br guidelines (2021) were applied. The data were organized and tabulated using Microsoft Excel, version 360. The study assessed the health-related physical fitness of 70 adolescents, aged 15 to 17, enrolled at IFPI – Picos Campus. The analysis included Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), flexibility, and localized muscular endurance, based on the PROESP-Br criteria (GAYA et al., 2021). The results indicated that most participants exhibited healthy values for BMI and WHtR. However, flexibility and localized muscular endurance (LME) tests raised concerns: while flexibility showed moderate results, LME was unsatisfactory, with most adolescents classified in the health risk zone. These findings highlight the need for interventions in the school environment, especially in physical education classes, to promote healthy habits and improve students’ physical fitness, aiming for both immediate and long-term benefits.