LEVELS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND FITNESS IN NORMAL-WEIGHT AND OVERWEIGHT CHILDREN

The levels of daily physical activity are reduced during preadolescence and this predisposes young people to overweight and obesity. The aim of the study was to examne the physical activity levels and motor performances in relation to BMI. The physical activity questionnaire for children (PAQ_C) and tests on standing long jump and 20-m sprint, have been completed by sample of 161 boys and 141 girls, aged 11 to 12 years, divided into two groups, normal weight (NW) and overweight/obese (Ow-Ob), according to the cutt-off of Cole (2000). Apart from the descriptive statistics, Student's T Test was carried out, in order to highlight the significant differences within the group. The significativity index was set to p<.05. Anova 2 (group) highlighted considerable differences in the following tests: the males and females of the group Normal weight showed superior motor performances compared to the group Ow-Ob in standing long jump (p<.001) and in speed test (M= p<.001; F= p<.05). In self-report PAQ_C the group Nw males and females showed higher scores than the group Ow-Ob (p<.05). Physical education at school increases the levels of physical activity, motor development and preventes obesity in young. The teaching styles are of significant importance.