Atividade física e saúde na adolescência: protocolo de uma intervenção baseada na escola

Abstract

The literature indicates that adolescents are more likely to adopt health risk behaviors such as physical inactivity, sedentary behavior and inappropriate eating habits. These factors are presented as potential risk factors for chronic diseases worldwide. From a perspective focused on Health Promotion, having as a reference the Health Promoting Schools approach, evidence indicates that school-based interventions emerge as a promising strategy for producing positive effects on the health of children and adolescents. Therefore, the objective of this thesis is to present a school-based multicomponent intervention aimed at promoting physical activity and health in adolescents. The methods were organized in two stages: 1) first stage: methods and eligibility criteria incorporated in the Systematic Review (SR) and Meta-analysis (MA) protocol following the methods developed in RS and MA that addressed the mechanisms related to the effects of exercise on cognition (BDNF levels) in adolescents; 2) second stage: the conception, planning and methods described in the intervention of the Program Attitude, Movement and Choices for a healthy life (AME). The multicomponent intervention consists of 4 components: (I) Teacher training and planning of activities related to the themes (promotion of physical activity, sedentary behavior and food and nutrition education); (II) Training and specific planning for physical education teachers; (III) Provision of materials and strategies that encourage the adoption of healthy habits in the school environment; and (IV) Health education at school with lectures and actions aimed at students, parents and teachers. Information leaflets and use of social networks will be distributed in order to disseminate knowledge about the benefits of regular physical activity. The AME Program presents itself as an articulated, integrated, sustainable and low-cost proposal with great potential to produce benefits in the health and cognition of adolescents. Finally, it is noteworthy that the results of the study will strengthen evidence-based practice in the context of research aimed at promoting health in the school context.