Introduction:

today, the practice of physical activity during adolescence brings important physical-health benefits that help develop a future well-being in later life.

Objectives:

the objective of this comparative study was to evaluate the physical condition, body composition and cardiorespiratory capacity among young athletes and sedentary people of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura (Spain).

Methods:

two hundred and twenty-five male subjects, aged between 12 and 18 years, were divided into two groups: 175 athletes, divided into aerobic group (AEG), anaerobic group (ANAEG) and mixed sports group (MG); and 50 sedentary (SG) or control group. Their respiratory capacity (forced expiratory volume [FEV], peak expiratory flow [PEF], vital capacity [VC], maximum voluntary ventilation [MVV]) and body composition were assessed. They also performed the "Forest Service" step test by finding the VO2max. Also, the heart rate (HR) was recorded before the step, the maximum heart rate during the test and the HR in the subsequent recovery, as well as pre and post-test blood pressure.

Results:

there were significant differences in body composition, blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory capacity in relation to athletes compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

physical activity provides benefits in aspects such as body composition, and cardio-respiratory function.

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