Health-related physical fitness, and sun exposure habits among children who practice non-elite dinghy sailing

This study aims to: a) assess the health-related fitness of non-elite dinghy sailors; b) examine their sun exposure habits, practices, attitudes, and knowledge. A cross-sectional study of 48 non-elite optimist sailors (average age: 12.0±1.8) evaluated their physical fitness through BMI, cardiorespiratory fitness (6MWT), muscle strength (manual dynamometry), and flexibility (sit-and-reach). A questionnaire assessed their knowledge, attitudes, and concerns about sun exposure, protection, and skin cancer risk. Results showed that cardiorespiratory fitness was similar for both sexes, while flexibility and muscle strength differed significantly. Muscle strength increased with age. Although 68.8% used SPF≥50, 31.2% disliked using sun protection. Females had better knowledge about sun exposure and cancer risk. Non-elite sailors demonstrated favorable anthropometric profiles and muscle strength, practiced adequate photoprotection, and were aware of sun exposure risks.