Relationship between aerobic physical effort and body composition in adolescents

Introduction: Adolescence represents an essential stage in the physical and physiological development of people, in which nutritional status plays a fundamental role. Objective: To determine the relationship between aerobic physical effort and body composition in male adolescents from the urban area of the city of Riobamba, Ecuador. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional correlation study was developed in 110 adolescents selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data on body composition and heart rates were collected for subsequent analysis in the JAMOVI statistical program. Results: Body composition indicators were found mostly normal for age with good and very good recovery when analyzing aerobic physical effort. A statistically significant difference was evident in FC3 in the BMI and total body fat variables. The group that was normal according to BMI had a higher HR when compared to the group with excess BMI. Likewise, the heart rate was higher in adolescents with high body fat as opposed to the group that had normal body fat. Conclusions: A statistically significant negative relationship was obtained between muscle mass and HR1; that is, as the adolescent's muscle mass increases, the resting heart rate decreases. These results allow us to establish individualized nutrition and physical activity interventions for adequate recovery after exercise or physical activity.