A COMPARISON OF PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVELS AND BODY MASS INDEX IN STUDENTS FROM 5TH TO 9TH GRADE IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES DEPENDING ON URBAN OR RURAL PLACE OF RESIDENCE

Introduction: The main purpose of this study was to compare the physical fitness levels and body mass index of students from urban and rural residences at an elementary school in Portugal. Methods: The sample covered 270 students, 142 male and 128 female, aged between 9 and 16, from the 5th to the 9th grade. The Fitnessgram test battery (NES, 2002) measured the physical fitness, the body mass index was based on reference values from the World Health Organization (1995) and the students' profiles were assessed through biographical archives provided by the school. Results: The test results only demonstrated significant differences (p<0.05) amongst these students: Females in the 5th and 6th grade in the following tests, trunk extension with better results in students from rural residences and middle strength, with better results in students from urban residences; Males in the 5th and 6th grade in the following tests: the shuttle run with better results in students from rural residences; Females between 7th and 9th grade in the following tests: trunk extension with better results in students from urban residences. Conclusions: Significant differences were not observed between the levels of physical fitness and BMI related to the place of residence (rural and urban).