Comparing Physical Activity, Fitness, And Self-esteem Among 1St And 2Nd Grade Students In Puerto Rico

Background: Physical inactivity (PA) and low fi tness levels are known to initiate early in life, and negatively influence physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The comparison between PA, fitness and self-esteem in young Hispanic children has not been documented.

Purpose: To test for differences in PA by gender and grade level; and to test for associations between PA and fitness, and PA and self-esteem in 1st and 2nd grade school children in Puerto Rico (PR).

Methods: :A group of 114 children (60 boys, 54 girls) recruited from two schools in San Juan, PR wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer for 7-days, completed fitness evaluations using the Fitnessgram protocol (Curl-ups, pushups, trunk lift, shoulder stretch, backsaver sit and reach, skinfolds), and a vertical jump using the Just Jump system. Self- esteem was evaluated using a questionnaire administered by interview. ANOVA was used to test for differences in PA by gender and grade level, and correlation and multiple regression analyses to detect associations between PA and fitness components, and PA and self-esteem.

Results: :A group of 114 children (60 boys, 54 girls) recruited from two schools in San Juan, PR wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer for 7-days, completed fitness evaluations using the Fitnessgram protocol (Curl-ups, pushups, trunk lift, shoulder stretch, backsaver sit and reach, skinfolds), and a vertical jump using the Just Jump system. Self- esteem was evaluated using a questionnaire administered by interview. ANOVA was used to test for differences in PA by gender and grade level, and correlation and multiple regression analyses to detect associations between PA and fitness components, and PA and self-esteem.

Conclusions: Although children complied with current PA recommendation, the observed difference by grade level highlights the need to prevent further PA reductions and increases in body fat. MVPA appear to influence some fitness components but not self-esteem in early elementary school children in PR. Supported in part by University of Puerto Rico-FIPI Institutional Grant.