Abstract

PRETO, Leonel São Romão; NOVO, André Filipe Morais Pinto  and  MENDES, Maria Eugénia Rodrigues. Relationship between physical activity, muscle strength and body composition in a sample of nursing students. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2016, vol.serIV, n.11, pp.81-89. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIV16028.

Background: Regular physical activity promotes health and quality of life, and contributes to the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases. Objectives: To assess the physical activity level (PAL) and its relationship with sociodemographic variables, muscle strength tests, and body composition. Methodology: Analytical cross-sectional study. PAL was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), muscle strength using leg press and dynamometry, and body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: The sample was mostly composed of female participants (76.7%). The mean age of participants was 21 years. Students (n=86) had low (58.1%), moderate (29.1%), and high (12.8%) PALs. An association was found between PAL and gender (.013) and some strength tests, namely right and left handgrip (p=.000; p=.005) and peak isometric quadriceps strength (p=.010). PAL influenced the amount of lean and fat body mass (p=.012; p=.042). Conclusion: The profile of the more physically active students showed increased muscle strength and mass, and a lower percent body fat. These are relevant indicators of the health of the population under analysis.

Keywords : physical activity; muscle strength; body composition; nursing students.

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