Family Health Strategy: physical fitness from the city of Minas Gerais

Abstract The present study evaluated the level of physical activity and physical fitness of users of Family Health Strategy programs in the city of Divinópolis-Minas Gerais, which does not have Physical Education professionals. The 390 users of Family Health Strategy programs participated (145 men and 245 women), aged between 18 and 60 years. They were evaluated regarding their level of physical activity and health aspects, anthropometric measurements, body composition, and physical fitness tests: flexibility (sitting and reaching), muscular resistance (abdominal and arm flexion), and cardiorespiratory fitness. Of the participants, 71% practiced physical activity, good flexibility levels, and muscular strength resistance but had low cardiorespiratory fitness. Regarding body composition, men had a higher fat-free mass and lower body fat compared to women. Besides, 25% are classified as obese, 46% have chronic diseases, 29% are sedentary or irregularly active, 63% have already received instructions to perform physical exercise at health centers, and 99% understand the importance and need for Physical Education Professional in programs. Users practice physical activity but have low cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition due to a lack of targeted physical exercise. Although users receive guidance on practicing physical activity, they understand the need for the presence of a Physical Education professional in programs to perform physical exercise.