Boosting Health and Fitness: The Power of Attendance in Physical Education Classes

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the association between children's attendance in physical education (PE) classes at school and a score of health-related physical fitness (Z-HPF), and to describe the proportion of children and adolescents who increased physical fitness scores. Method: Descriptive association study with a quantitative approach, developed with 294 children (aged 6 to 12 years). PE classes were conducted three times a week, and attendance was quantified based on school attendance records. Physical fitness was assessed according to the Brazil Sport Project (PROESP-Br protocol). To quantify body composition, the skinfold thickness sum was performed, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results: Those with higher attendance achieved better results in cardiorespiratory fitness and abdominal strength tests. The Z-HPF was better for those with higher attendance. 42.7% of children with high attendance in PE classes improved health-related physical fitness, compared to 22.6% in the low attendance group. Conclusion: Students who consistently attend PE classes demonstrate greater protection across various components of health and physical fitness.