Abstract The objective of the present study was to summarize the prevalences, secular trends, and associated factors of overweight and obesity among Brazilian children and adolescents in order to update the 2018 and 2019 data published in the 2020 Report Card. A systematic search was conducted in nine databases, restricted to studies published between January 2020 and December 2024. After the analysis of 82 studies, the overall prevalences were 18.4% for overweight, 10.7% for obesity, and 29.7% for excess weight. When considering the overall data stratified by sex, boys presented slightly higher prevalences than girls for overweight (18.3% vs. 18.1%), obesity (11.2% vs. 9.7%), and excess weight (31.9% vs. 29.9%). When stratified by children and adolescents, prevalences of 18.3% and 18.5% were observed for overweight, 16.5% and 8.5% for obesity, and 35.3% and 28.5% for excess weight, respectively. Secular trend studies indicate stabilization in the prevalences of overweight, obesity, and excess weight among boys, whereas among girls these prevalences continue to increase. Based on these findings, preventive measures aimed at reducing the prevalences of overweight and obesity should be developed and strengthened, as well as treatment programs focused on the management of childhood obesity, which should be considered a top priority within the public health system.
Abstract The assessment of the morphological characteristics of young athletes has been widely considered for some years now by coaches, technicians, and managers with a view to identifying, developing, and guiding exceptional athletes. However, the use of these results is of little use if it is not associated with reliable information on the maturity of potential sporting talent. In this opinion piece, I present what is considered the “Gold Standard” methodology in maturation assessment and offer some reflections on the guidance of young athletes.
Abstract Physical activity is beneficial to health, leading to improvements in outcomes such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and adiposity measurements. However, no research has examined the extent to which health professionals are familiar with the physical activity guidelines. This study aimed to: examine the knowledge of Physical Education or other health professionals (Biomedicine, Biological Sciences, Dentistry, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medicine, Nutrition, Psychology), regarding the guidelines for physical activity and sedentary behavior. A convenience sample of health professionals with higher education training, including physicians, physical education professionals, nutritionists, physiotherapists, nurses, and others, was invited to participate in this study. Individuals holding dual higher education degrees in Physical Education and another health-related field were excluded. The questionnaire consisted of 30 specific questions, based on World Health Organization Guidelines for physical activity and sedentary behavior. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the overall knowledge scores of the physical activity guidelines between the Physical Education professionals’ group (19.0 ± 5.9 points) and the health professionals’ group (18.0 ± 5.8 points). Significant differences were found between groups in scores for questions about children, adults, the elderly, pregnant women, and postpartum women (p = 0.0140), with Physical Education professionals scoring 4.4 ± 2.2 points and other health professionals scoring 3.6 ± 1.5 points. This research highlights Brazilian health professionals' awareness of the WHO physical activity recommendations, while also pointing to the importance of strengthening education and training to ensure that health professionals are adequately prepared to advocate for physical activity.
Abstract Excess body weight contributes to biomechanical imbalance and musculoskeletal dysfunction, yet evidence on its association with postural deviations in physically active adults remains limited. This study examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI), self-reported musculoskeletal problems, and postural deviations by anatomical region in adults engaged in regular exercise. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 309 adults (207 females, 102 males) aged 20–59 years, training two to three times per week. Anthropometric data, BMI, musculoskeletal complaints, and postural characteristics were assessed. Posture was evaluated using the Portland State University (PSU) method via digital biophotogrammetry, generating a Postural Correction Index (PCI), with ≥80% indicating normal alignment. Statistical analyses were performed using JAVOMI software, with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Males presented higher BMI (26.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2; p < 0.005), classified as overweight. The most frequent musculoskeletal complaints were the spine (32.6%) and the knees (20.5%). PCI values were below reference in both sexes (females: 79.5%; males: 76.5%; p < 0.005). Common deviations included forward head posture (89.8%), thoracic scoliosis (100%), shoulder protrusion (68.8%), pelvic tilt (91.7%), and knee hyperextension (94.7%). Males also showed abdominal protrusion (43.1%) and lateral hip rotation (91.2%). Physically active males demonstrated higher BMI and postural deviations suggestive of increased mechanical load and risk for chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Both sexes exhibited clinically relevant postural imbalances, reinforcing the need to integrate BMI and posture evaluation into exercise prescription to optimize musculoskeletal health.
Abstract Phase angle (PhA) is a parameter obtained through electrical bioimpedance that can be used to indicate health, nutritional, and functional status in different populations. Vegans tend to have a higher percentage of body fat and lower muscle mass than omnivores, but it is unknown whether the PhA is different between these two groups. This study aims to compare the PhA and body composition of physically active omnivorous and vegan individuals. This cross-sectional study involved 30 exercisers (12 men and 18 women), divided into a vegan group (VG; n = 15) and an omnivore group (OG; n = 15), matched for sex (6 men and 9 women in each group), age, height, and body mass (maximum difference of 5%). Body composition was measured using a scale, a stadiometer, and octopolar bioimpedance. Right arm PhA was lower in vegans (p = 0.036; d = 0.805), omnivores consumed more protein/kg of body weight daily (p = 0.026; d = 0.856), and vegans consumed more fiber daily (p < 0.001; d = -1.610). There were no significant differences in other dietary intake and body composition parameters between vegans and omnivores. Similarities in PhA and body composition were observed between vegan and omnivorous individuals, but with lower right arm PhA in the VG.
The aim of this study was to identify Metabolic Equivalents of Task (METs) and physical activity intensity, and to examine their associations with sociodemographic, occupational, and behavioral factors among adolescents in public schools in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This cross-sectional study, part of the ELCAS project, was conducted between 2022 and 2023 with 1,616 first-year high school students. Physical activity was assessed using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), converted into MET·min/week and categorized as low (<600), moderate (≥600), or high (≥3,000). Independent variables included gender, school shift, occupation, active transportation, and parental physical activity. Chi-square, Student’s t-tests, ANOVA, and multinomial logistic regression were used, with a 5% significance level. The mean physical activity was 3,401.1 (±3,242.0) MET·min/week. Higher activity levels were observed in boys, daytime students, employed adolescents, those using active transport, and those with physically active parents. Conversely, girls, evening-shift students, unemployed adolescents, those not using active transport, and those with inactive parents were more likely to engage in moderate or low activity. Physical activity levels were heterogeneous and associated with individual, family, and school factors. Promotion strategies should prioritize girls and evening-shift students, highlighting the protective roles of active transportation and parental modeling. Longitudinal studies are recommended to clarify the causal relationships observed.
Physical and technical skill tests are often used in the identification and selection of soccer talent. The objective was to establish reference values for speed, agility and dribbling tests in young Brazilian soccer players, according to chronological age and biological maturation. There was a total of 327 male athletes participating, aged between 12 and 17, from a talent development program. Speed (20 m), agility and dribbling tests were performed, with the 10th, 30th, 50th, 70th, 90th and 98th percentiles being calculated. Somatic maturation was evaluated by the percentage of predicted adult stature. Reference values were reported for the age groups 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 years, stratified by maturation status. Motor performance and technical skill improve from 12 to 14-15 years and then stabilize. Maturation influences motor performance, but not technical ability. Biologically early athletes showed better performance in the 20 m sprint test when compared to on time athletes at 13 years of age (3.25 ± 0.16s vs. 3.36 ± 0.21s; p=0.01; d=0. 59) and at 14 years old (3.12 ± 0.10s vs. 3.20 ± 0.16s; p=0.049; d=0.62), respectively. Furthermore, at 17 years of age, early athletes were more agile than on time athletes (7.54 ± 0.28s vs. 8.04 ± 0.64s; p=0.03; d=1.09). Significant differences were not observed in dribbling test between biologically on time and early athletes.
O objetivo do presente estudo foi sumarizar as prevalências, tendências seculares e fatores associados ao sobrepeso e à obesidade em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros, a fim de atualizar os dados de 2018 e 2019 publicados no Report Card de 2020. A busca sistemática foi conduzida em nove bases de dados, restrita a estudos publicados durante o período de Janeiro de 2020 a Dezembro de 2024. Após a análise de 82 estudos, as prevalências gerais foram de 18,4% para sobrepeso, de 10,7% para obesidade e de 29,7% para excesso de peso. Ao considerar os dados gerais de acordo com o sexo, os meninos apresentaram prevalências levemente superiores às meninas de sobrepeso (18,3% vs 18,1%), obesidade (11,2% vs 9,7%) e excesso de peso (31,9% e 29,9%). Ao estratificar as informações por crianças e adolescentes, foram observadas prevalências de 18,3% e 18,5% para sobrepeso, de 16,5% e 8,5% para obesidade e de 35,3% e 28,5% para excesso de peso, respectivamente. Estudos de tendência secular demonstram uma estabilização nas prevalências de sobrepeso, obesidade e excesso de peso nos meninos, enquanto nas meninas as prevalências ainda apresentam ascensão em seus valores. A partir disso, medidas preventivas voltadas à redução das prevalências de sobrepeso e obesidade devem ser desenvolvidas e fortalecidas, assim como programas de tratamento direcionados ao manejo da obesidade infantil, os quais devem constituir prioridade máxima no âmbito do sistema público de saúde.
Esta atualização de revisão sistemática teve como objetivo ampliar e atualizar as evidências disponíveis, com base em estudos realizados no Brasil, sobre a relação entre os níveis de atividade física dos pais e de seus respectivos filhos. As pesquisas foram realizadas em setembro de 2025 nas seguintes bases de dados: Medline via OVID, Embase, CINAHL via EBSCO, LILACS e SPORTDiscus via EBSCO. Foram utilizados termos relacionados à atividade física (ou seja, exercício físico, caminhada, corrida, esporte, atividade motora), crianças/adolescentes (ou seja, criança, adolescente, pré-escolar) e apoio social (ou seja, encorajamento, incentivo). Foram incluídos estudos longitudinais, ensaios clínicos e estudos transversais que investigaram o nível de atividade física de crianças e adolescentes (menores de 18 anos) e de seus respectivos pais. Como critérios de exclusão, revisões sistemáticas não foram incluídas. Os resultados foram descritos narrativamente e apresentados em figuras. Inicialmente, foram encontrados 3.507 estudos, dos quais 8 foram incluídos na atualização. Um total de 7.740 crianças e adolescentes (47% a 59% do sexo feminino), com pelo menos um dos pais sendo avaliado, totalizando 7.039 adultos (50% a 92% mães). Todos os estudos incluídos mostraram uma associação positiva entre o nível de atividade física dos pais e de seus respectivos filhos. De acordo com esta revisão sistemática atualizada, a atividade física dos pais foi associada positivamente à atividade física das crianças em amostras brasileiras.
The objective of this study was to update previous systematic reviews, based on publications carried out in the period from 2020 to 2024, revealing the use of active transportation in Brazil and presenting differences according to sex. The studies were extracted from LILACS, SCIELO and MEDLINE. The searches were carried out between January 2020 and December 2024 and conducted by means of the advanced search tools of each database, using description chains in Portuguese, English and Spanish. These included original studies that validated the active transport and explicitly describe the measurement method used, including Brazilian participants between the ages of 0 and 19, of both sexes, without specific clinical conditions, without diagnosis of diseases and who were not athletes. The review included 5 articles, covering different regions of the country and contemplating most samples between 12 and 20 years old. Active transportation was predominantly measured by self-reported questionnaires. The prevalence of active transportation varied from 37% to 53% for local samples and reached 44.4% in the national analysis. A trend of greater participation in boys was identified, with prevalences of 53% to 55.8%, while girls varied between 44% and 47%. Differently from what was observed in previous reviews, active transportation was less prevalent in relation to passive transportation, which makes it fundamental the implementation of public policies aimed at creating safer and more favorable environments to favor this behavior.
The objective of the present study was to identify, synthesize, and evaluate Brazilian studies that address active play in children and/or adolescents. Electronic databases PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science, and LILACS were searched for the period from 2020 to 2024. As inclusion criteria, studies were considered if they involved Brazilian children and/or adolescents up to 19 years of age; were observational (cross-sectional or longitudinal); were published between 2020 and 2024 in English, Spanish, or Portuguese; and addressed active play and/or active leisure activities. Studies conducted with athletes and/or involving structured or school-based physical activity were excluded. Initially, 914 studies were identified. Considering the inclusion criteria, 15 studies were analyzed, comprising a total of 552,172 children/adolescents aged 0 to 19 years. The prevalence of leisure-time physical activity/active play among children ranged from 41.3% to 76%, with a mean daily duration of 34 minutes when measured by accelerometry and 188.7 minutes when assessed using questionnaires. Among adolescents, the mean prevalence of leisure-time physical activity/active play was 45.2%. In both children and adolescents, the mean prevalence of active play/leisure-time physical activity was higher in boys compared with girls. Playing outdoors, living in houses with a yard, and attending schools with courtyards and playgrounds were associated with higher levels of movement and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The prevalence of active play varied across the studies analyzed, was higher among boys, but some methodological gaps indicate caution in the interpretation of the findings.
A atividade física traz benefícios à saúde, levando a melhorias em desfechos como pressão arterial, níveis de colesterol e medidas de adiposidade. No entanto, nenhuma pesquisa examinou o grau de familiaridade dos profissionais de saúde com as diretrizes de atividade física. Este estudo teve como objetivo: examinar o conhecimento de profissionais de Educação Física ou de outros profissionais de saúde (Biomedicina, Ciências Biológicas, Odontologia, Enfermagem, Fisioterapia, Medicina, Nutrição, Psicologia) sobre as diretrizes para atividade física e comportamento sedentário. Uma amostra de conveniência de profissionais de saúde com formação superior, incluindo médicos, profissionais de educação física, nutricionistas, fisioterapeutas, enfermeiros e outros, foi convidada a participar deste estudo. Indivíduos com dupla formação superior em Educação Física e outra área relacionada à saúde foram excluídos. O questionário foi formatado com trinta perguntas específicas, baseadas nas Diretrizes da Organização Mundial da Saúde para atividade física e comportamento sedentário. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas (p > 0,05) nos escores gerais de conhecimento das diretrizes de atividade física entre o grupo de profissionais de Educação Física (19,0 ± 5,9 pontos) e o grupo de profissionais de Saúde (18,0 ± 5,8 pontos). Foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos nos escores relacionados a questões sobre crianças, adultos, idosos, gestantes e puérperas (p = 0,0140), com os profissionais de Educação Física pontuando 4,4 ± 2,2 pontos e os demais profissionais de saúde pontuando 3,6 ± 1,5 pontos. Esta pesquisa destaca a conscientização dos profissionais de saúde brasileiros sobre as recomendações de atividade física da OMS, ao mesmo tempo em que aponta a importância do fortalecimento da educação e do treinamento para garantir que os profissionais estejam adequadamente preparados para defender a prática de atividade física.
A resistência muscular é um importante indicador de aptidão física relacionada à saúde na infância e adolescência. O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar e sumarizar as evidências sobre a prevalência de resistência muscular adequada entre crianças e adolescentes brasileiros (6 a 18 anos) para atualizar as evidências publicadas anteriormente pelo projeto Report Card Brasil. Uma busca sistemática de estudos publicados de 2020 a 2024 foi realizada em cinco bases de dados (LILACS, SciELO, Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus). Identificamos 20.202 artigos; 16 atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade e foram incluídos nesta revisão para extração de dados e avaliação do risco de viés. Entre as 4.613 crianças e adolescentes participantes dos estudos, estimou-se que 55,9% (variação de 29,1% a 76,7%) apresentavam resistência muscular abdominal adequada. Diferentes baterias de testes foram reportadas, sendo as mais utilizadas o PROESP/BR® e o FITNESSGRAM®. A maioria dos estudos foi realizada nas regiões Sul (62,5%) e Sudeste (25,0%) do Brasil. Concluímos que mais da metade das crianças e adolescentes brasileiros de ambos os sexos possuem resistência muscular abdominal adequada para a saúde, com valores semelhantes entre meninos e meninas.
O objetivo desta pesquisa foi associar o índice de massa corporal (IMC), autorrelato de problema osteomioarticular e alterações posturais em adultos ativos. Participaram da amostra 309 adultos (207 feminino e 102 masculino), na faixa etária de 20 a 59 anos, que treinavam de duas a três vezes por semana, com duração entre 45 a 60 minutos. As variáveis coletadas foram massa corporal, estatura, autorrelato de problemas osteomioarticulares e postura corporal pelo método Portland State University, que adota como índice de correção postural (ICP) 80,0% e analisada pela biofotogrametria digital. Para análise estatística adotou-se programa JAVOMI versão 2.5.6 e níveis de significância de p ≤ 0,05 e p ≤ 0,001, teste t de Welch e após o teste de homogeneidade de Levene não confirmar esse pressuposto. Constatou-se que o sexo masculino apresenta excesso de peso 26,7 (3,5) kg/m2 (p < 0,005) e em ambos os sexos, representados por valor percentual (%), autorrelato de problemas osteomioarticulares, coluna vertebral 32,6 (1,7) e joelhos 20,5 (2,1), postura corporal estão abaixo dos padrões de referência: feminino ICP 79,5 (5,1) e masculino 76,5 (5,5) ambos mostrando significância estatística (p < 0,005) e nas alterações posturais observou-se: anteriorização da cabeça 89,8 (1,1); escoliose torácica 100,0 (0,0); protrusão de ombros 68,8 (1,2); inclinação de quadril 91,7 (2,5) e hiperextensão de joelhos 94,7 (2,4) e no sexo masculino protrusão abdominal 43,1 e rotação lateral de quadril 91,2. Conclui-se que o sexo masculino tem o risco de doenças crônico-degenerativas aumentado e em ambos os sexos se identificou desequilíbrios osteomioarticulares considerados clínicos.
This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize recent scientific evidence on flexibility levels in Brazilian children and adolescents. A systematic search was conducted between August and October 2025 in five databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, Web of Science, and SciELO). Of the 13,880 potential references retrieved by the searches, 19 met the inclusion criteria and composed the descriptive synthesis. The included studies were published between 2020 and 2024 and included 11,056 participants (5,955 boys) from different regions of Brazil. All studies assessed flexibility using the sit-and-reach test, although different test and batteries were adopted, including PROESP-BR®, Wells & Dillon, Fitnessgram®/ Eurofit, and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology protocol. The average prevalence of adequate flexibility among Brazilian children and adolescents was 61.0%, ranging from 21.2% to 81.0%. Among girls, the average prevalence was 61.9%, while among boys it was 60.3%. Overall, the results indicate that more than half of Brazilian children and adolescents have adequate levels of flexibility. Sit-and-reach test remains the most used protocol to evaluate flexibility in Brazilian children and adolescents.
Este estudio examinó la asociación entre los activos percibidos del barrio y los marcadores antropométricos en escolares residentes en áreas urbanas de alto riesgo social, comparando los resultados para la envergadura con aquellos observados para el índice de masa corporal (IMC). Se realizó un estudio transversal con 164 escolares (82 niñas y 82 niños; 6–15 años) de Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Se aplicó una escala adaptada de activos del barrio y su estructura interna fue evaluada mediante análisis factorial exploratorio. La asociación entre el capital comunitario percibido y la envergadura se estimó mediante regresión lineal jerárquica, ajustada por edad y sexo, mientras que el IMC fue analizado como indicador antropométrico de comparación. El análisis factorial identificó una estructura trifactorial con elevada consistencia interna (α = 0,837–0,943). No se observaron diferencias entre sexos en edad, IMC o envergadura; sin embargo, el capital comunitario presentó valores más altos entre las niñas (p = 0,035). En el modelo ajustado, el capital comunitario se asoció positivamente con la envergadura (β = 0,155; p = 0,004), con un incremento del 2,2% en la varianza explicada. No se observaron asociaciones significativas entre el capital comunitario y el IMC. Estos resultados sugieren que, entre escolares residentes en contextos urbanos socialmente adversos, el capital comunitario percibido puede asociarse con un marcador estructural del crecimiento físico, pero no con un indicador ponderal. Se necesitan estudios longitudinales para esclarecer la temporalidad y la naturaleza de estas asociaciones.
This study aimed to update the Brazilian evidence on the prevalence of children and adolescents who met the health-related criteria for aerobic fitness. This systematic review is part of the Report Card Brazil Project, and the search for relevant information was conducted in nine databases, limited to the period from January 2020 to January 2025. Studies with different designs were included, provided they allowed the extraction of prevalence data for children and adolescents (aged up to 19 years or with a mean age up to 19 years) who met the health criteria for aerobic fitness. A total of 501 articles were identified, and six studies were included based on their compliance with the eligibility criteria. The prevalence of children and adolescents classified as meeting health-related criteria for aerobic fitness was 43.68% (29.81% for males and 28.55% for females). Regarding age groups, children (six to nine years) showed higher prevalence rates of adequate aerobic fitness (61.02%; n = 1,088) compared to adolescents (10 to 17 years) (31.42%; n = 1,075). When comparing the current findings with those of the previous systematic review from this project, a 62.32% improvement was observed in the prevalence of children and adolescents classified as meeting health criteria for aerobic fitness (26.9% in the previous review). However, despite this increase, more than half of the investigated children and adolescents still do not meet the health criteria for aerobic fitness.
O objetivo do estudo foi investigar as associações entre a espessura muscular (EM) regional do reto femoral (RF) e do vasto lateral (VL) e a força muscular nos exercícios leg press e cadeira extensora. Vinte e oito homens (23 ± 5 anos) participaram deste estudo transversal. A EM foi avaliada por ultrassonografia nas regiões proximal, média e distal entre a espinha ilíaca anterossuperior e a borda superior da patela sobre o músculo RF, com projeção lateral sobre o VL. A força muscular foi avaliada por meio de testes de uma repetição máxima (1RM). Correlações moderadas e significativas foram observadas para a maioria das comparações (r = 0,408-0,655; P < 0,05), exceto para a associação entre o 1RM no leg press e a EM distal do RF, que foi fraca e não significativa (r = 0,366; P = 0,056). Análises de regressão múltipla indicaram que as EMs proximais do RF e do VL explicaram uma proporção maior da variância da força no leg press (R2 = 0,421; P < 0,01), enquanto as EMs proximal e distal do VL explicaram uma proporção maior da variância da força na cadeira extensora (R2 = 0,511; P < 0,01). Esses achados sugerem que as EMs regionais do quadríceps femoral estão associadas de forma diferencial ao desempenho de força. As regiões proximais do RF e do VL predisseram melhor a força no leg press, enquanto as espessuras do VL, particularmente nas regiões proximal e distal, apresentaram uma associação mais forte com a força na cadeira extensora.
Sedentary behavior among children and adolescents represents a major public health challenge, particularly in the context of increasing mobile device use and shifts in leisure patterns. This systematic review synthesized 47 studies published between 2020 and 2024 that examined the prevalence and indicators of sedentary behavior in Brazil, aiming to inform the Brazil Report Card. Findings indicate that more than half of the studies reported prevalence rates equal to or exceeding 70% when applying the ≥2 hours per day cutoff, underscoring the magnitude of the problem across different age groups. The most frequently assessed indicators were total screen time and television viewing, although smartphone use emerged as a relevant component in nearly half of the investigations. Scientific production remained concentrated in the South and Northeast regions, with limited representation from the North and Central-West, and relied predominantly on self-reported measures, although accelerometers were employed in 21.3% of the studies. Considerable heterogeneity was also observed in the cutoff points applied, limiting comparability across studies. These results highlight the need to expand the geographic and temporal scope of research, incorporate objective measures, and harmonize assessment criteria to provide more reliable estimates. Collectively, the evidence underscores the urgency of implementing public policies and targeted interventions to reduce sedentary behavior and foster healthier environments for Brazilian children and adolescents.
The present study aimed to identify and summarize evidence regarding muscle strength in Brazilian children and adolescents (aged ≤19 years), in order to update the 2018 and 2019 data previously published by the Brazilian Report Card Project. A systematic search was conducted across seven databases, with a focus on studies published between January 2020 and December 2024. Thirty-six studies, originating from the five major regions of Brazil, were included. Handgrip strength was the most frequently adopted test across the included studies (29 out of 58 measurements – 50%). The prevalence of children and adolescents with adequate levels of muscle strength was 44.1% (40.1% for males and 47.8% for females). Compared to the results of the previous review (2018–2019), an increase was observed in the prevalence of youth with adequate muscle strength levels (from 29.8% to 44.1%). However, upon analyzing the totality of the Brazilian Report Card Project data (which includes 17,379 participants since 2010), the combined prevalence of adequate muscle strength was 56.1% (58.8% for boys; 53.0% for girls), suggesting a declining trend over the years. Despite the punctual increase in the 2020–2024 period, the majority of young Brazilians still do not reach adequate levels of muscle strength, which reinforces the need for public health strategies to promote muscle-strengthening activities.
