Consumo de alcohol y su relación con el nivel de condición física en adolescentes de 14 a 17 años de la Región de Murcia

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between alcohol consumption and physical fitness levels in adolescents aged 14 to 17 from the Region of Murcia, based on age and sex. A total of 1.037 subjects were selected through a stratified, multistage sampling process representative of adolescents aged 14 to 17 enrolled in secondary schools in the Region of Murcia. To measure physical fitness (PF), the tests included in the Health-Related Physical Fitness (COFISA) battery were administered. All tests that comprise the COFISA battery were administered twice, and the best result from the two attempts was recorded, except for the aerobic endurance test, which was administered only once. Habitual alcohol consumption was measured using a questionnaire consisting of 17 items related to regular alcohol use, categorizing participants into two groups: non-drinkers and drinkers. The results revealed that 23.9% of adolescents habitually consume alcohol, with the most significant association found among females. Adolescents who do not consume alcohol show higher levels of physical fitness, with this finding being more significant among females. In conclusion, the results of this study highlight the need to implement prevention and physical activity promotion programs in educational school to help address this issue, as increased physical fitness levels have been shown to be associated with a decrease in habitual alcohol consumption among adolescents.