Evaluation of motor activity, energy expenditure and physical fitness in children aged 8-11

Aim. The study's purpose was to get data about motor activity and energy expenditure (EE) among function of body composition, physical fitness and nutrition in children living in metropolitan area. Methods. We have examined 160 subjects, male (M) and female (F) from age 8 to 11. For functional evaluation we used laboratory and field tests. We have measured EE with SenseWear Armband system in all subjects for 2 consecutive days during the weekdays and during the weekends, 2 times in a year, in late autumn and spring. Results. Anthropometric and functional values increase with age in both sex, with statistically significant differences between 10- and 11-yr-old children and younger. This is true also for EE that is resulted greater in M (181 kJoule/kg vs. 165 in F). There were no significant differences between EE in ferial days and weekend while spring EE is resulted greater than autumn EE (6735 KJ vs. 6223 in M and 6349 vs. 6052 in F). Caloric intake is resulted greater than EE and also higher in M (7547 kJoule vs. 6797 in F) with lipid excess (44-45%). Conclusion. Covariance analysis has not put significant relationship evidence between EE and caloric intake neither between EE and functional parameters, except muscular strength. In general it is suggested to carry out educative interventions to decrease consume of fats in nutrition and increase motor activity and sport. In cases of overweight it is necessary to carry out individual interventions, keeping in mind specific anthropometric and functional characteristics.