[Aerobic capacity, weight status and self-concept in schoolchildren]

Abstract

Objetives: To analyze the relationship between self-concept, aerobic capacity and weight status in schoolchildren.

Material and method: Relational descriptive design in which was assessed the weight status and aerobic capacity of 256 schoolchildren among 8-11 years. Aerobic capacity (low vs high) and the body mass index (normal-weight vs overweight-obesity) were categorized using standard criteria. The self-concept was assessed through the Piers Harris self-concept scale for children.

Results: Schoolchildren with normal-weight and high fitness level showed better levels of conductual self-concept (P=.030), physical (P<.001), lack of anxiety (P=.048), and global self-concept (P=.002). The schoolchildren with normal-weight show higher levels of conductual self-concpt (P=.016), intellectual (P=.050), physical (P<.001), life satisfaction (P=.036), and global self-concept (P=.001). The schoolchildren with a higher fitness level showed better conductual self-concept (P=.024), physical (P=.004), lack of anxiety (P=.011), social (P=.024), and global (P=.003).

Conclusions: The results of the study strengthen the importance to transmit to the educative community the knowledge of the relationship between the variables analyzed aiming to improve the schoolchildren self-concept.

Keywords: Aerobic capacity; Autoconcepto; Body mass index; Capacidad aeróbica; Escolares; Obesidad; Obesity; School children; Self-concept; Índice de masa corporal.