Adilson Marques

By Adilson Marques, Charles Hillman and Luís Sardinha

There is a growing body of literature investigating the relationship between physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with academic achievement (AA). This chapter presents new evidence on the relationship between PA, CRF and AA. Studies have shown no association or inconsistent association between objectively measured PA and AA. Nonetheless, despite inconsistent results, it may be concluded that, at a minimum, PA is not detrimental to AA. In comparison, results from studies employing self-reported PA have shown a positive association with AA. The results of these studies are more consistent with reports stemming from many different countries across the world. Similarly, CRF has also evidenced a positive association with AA, suggesting that increasing CRF is important for children and adolescents’ health, and further cognitive development and AA. Thus, promoting PA and improving CRF are important for maximizing children and adolescents’ health and AA. Because students spend much of their daily lives in school, school-based PA may result in improvements in AA.

Part of the book: Health and Academic Achievement

By Priscila Marconcin, Pedro B. Júdice, Gerson Ferrari, André Werneck and Adilson Marques

Increasing amounts of time spent in sedentary behaviour (SB), during occupation or recreation activities, is considered a global health problem. SB has been associated with several non-communicable diseases and all-cause mortality. Thus, it is essential to assess SB through the most accurate and suitable measurement tools. This chapter presents an overview of different methods for assessing SB and highlights the importance of determining the best measurement tool. In choosing an appropriate and accurate method, it is relevant to consider multiple factors, such as population characteristics, context, validity and reliability of measurement tools, and potential research and participant burdens. Subjective measurements, such as self-reported questionnaires, are widely used in epidemiologic studies because they are easy to administer at low cost. However, there is a large variety of questionnaires, which makes it difficult to select a single questionnaire to assess SB. Device-based measurements are more accurate for assessing SB as well as determining bouts and breaks. Both methods present strengths and limitations, and when possible, researchers should use a combination of device-based and subjective methods to improve SB assessment.

Part of the book: Sedentary Behaviour

By Priscila Marconcin, Vera Zymbal, Élvio R. Gouveia, Bruce Jones and Adilson Marques

This chapter aims to present an overview of the scientific background and current recommendations for sedentary behaviour. We have presented the current sedentary behaviour definition and defined other terms related to sedentary behaviour. The determinants of sedentary behaviour were discussed, and the ecological model was presented. Based on the recent data from the literature, the relationship between sedentary behaviour and health indicators was presented and discussed. Finally, we discussed the recommendation regarding sedentary behaviour, and presented the daily guidelines involving physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep routine.

Part of the book: Sedentary Behaviour

By Miguel Peralta, Sandra Martins, Duarte Henriques-Neto, Riki Tesler and Adilson Marques

The ability to deliver oxygen to the skeletal muscles and use it to generate energy to support muscle activity is known as cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Because of its importance to health, young people’s declining CRF is a cause of concern. Therefore, promoting CRF through physical activity (PA) participation is needed. Among young people, the school setting has been proposed as a privileged context to promote PA and CRF, and school-based PA interventions are known to improve PA and CRF. Nevertheless, school-based PA interventions are not universal and may not be sustainable over long periods if the mobilized resources are not sustained. There is a need to promote sustainable health promotion actions to maintain their benefits beyond the initial stage of implementation and deliver within the limits of the available resources. One way of doing so is through physical education (PE). PE is part of the curriculum in most countries, allows children and adolescents to engage in PA, and is supervised by trained PE teachers. The school is a privileged context for health promotion actions through its regular implementation across most education years. This chapter advocates PE as a privileged setting for promoting PA and CRF.

Part of the book: Cardiorespiratory Fitness

By Priscila Marconcin, Élvio Rúbio Gouveia, Marcelo de Maio Nascimento, Gerson Ferrari and Adilson Marques

Mental health conditions are a major public health issue affecting many people worldwide. Evidence suggests that physical activity and exercise can prevent and treat mental health conditions, especially depression and anxiety. Several mechanisms are involved in the relationship between mental health conditions and exercise, from neurobiological to behavioural mechanisms. This chapter intends to explain the main mechanisms that explain that interaction and present recent evidence from studies that analyse the effects of exercise on mental health outcomes. It also highlights the principles of physical exercise (frequency, intensity, volume, and type) and how they can influence the main outcomes of mental health. Engaging in regular physical activity may prevent the onset of different mental health disorders. Also, evidence shows that exercise diminishes depressive symptoms. This chapter is indicated for health professionals who wish to have a broad view of the relationship between exercise and mental health. This knowledge can be valuable in designing public interventions that aim to treat mental disorders and optimise mental health.

Part of the book: Mental Health

By Margarida Gaspar de Matos, Cátia Branquinho, Tania Gaspar, Catarina Noronha, Bárbara Moraes, Fábio Botelho Guedes, Ana Cerqueira, Marina Carvalho, Osvaldo Santos, Nuno Neto Rodrigues and Adilson Marques

COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on adolescents’ psychological health. Two national studies were conducted. The DGEEC study included 9 to 18-year-old pupils. The HBSC study (2 waves) included pupils from the 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th grades. For each study, two groups were established based on life satisfaction scores and on psychological symptoms scores, producing four groups. In both studies, the group with high life satisfaction and reduced psychological symptoms had more boys and younger pupils. The group with low life satisfaction and pronounced psychological symptoms comprised more girls and older pupils. In the DGEEC Study, pupils with low life satisfaction and pronounced psychological symptoms were more likely to exhibit other unwellness signs. In the HBSC study, from 2018 to 2022 (with the COVID-19 in between), psychological symptoms increased significantly and life satisfaction decreased, exacerbating inequities. This model allowed to examine the results of DGEEC and HBSC studies under a new perspective comprising four scenarios, offering an innovative viewpoint on adolescents’ psychological health. Results also suggest a potential buffering effect of being physically active, adequate sleep, and adequate screen time. This is a powerful message for health and education professionals and policymakers regarding the relevance of health education and promotion.

Part of the book: Mental Health