children

Article
Physical Activity, Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Body
Dissatisfaction in Physical Education of Extremadura Adolescents:
An Exploratory Study
María Isabel Moreno-Díaz 1 , Miguel Vaquero-Solís 1 , Miguel Ángel Tapia-Serrano 2, *
and Pedro Antonio Sánchez-Miguel 1

1 Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, Faculty of Teacher Training,
University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; [email protected] (M.I.M.-D.);
[email protected] (M.V.-S.); [email protected] (P.A.S.-M.)
2 Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 22002 Huesca, Spain
* Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: In recent years, physical activity levels among youths have declined significantly. This
has led to a decline in adherence to physical activity recommendations. In this sense, physical
education offers an ideal environment that contributes positively to improving adherence to physical
activity recommendations, as it teaches students movement-related skills and knowledge. The
objective of the present research was to investigate the relationship between physical activity levels,
body composition, fitness in Physical Education, and body dissatisfaction levels, and to analyse sex
differences in relation to the study variables. The sample was formed of 1166 participants from the 1st
and 2nd secondary compulsory education, of which 642 were boys (age 13.16 ± 0.91), and 524 girls
(age 13.08 ± 0.85). The measure of physical activity was the Physical Activity Questionnaire for
Adolescents (PAQ-A). Body composition was assessed using weight and height to calculate their
body mass index. Cardiorespiratory capacity was assessed using the Course-Navette test in Physical
Education lessons. The results showed the relationship between physical activity and body mass
Citation: Moreno-Díaz, M.I.; index, cardiorespiratory capacity, and body satisfaction. It was also confirmed that higher levels of
Vaquero-Solís, M.; Tapia-Serrano,
physical activity were associated with a lower body mass index, improvements in cardiorespiratory
M.Á.; Sánchez-Miguel, P.A. Physical
fitness, and lower levels of body dissatisfaction to a greater extent in boys than in girls. The study
Activity, Body Composition, Physical
concludes that improvements in the study variables were associated with increased physical activity.
Fitness, and Body Dissatisfaction in
Physical Education of Extremadura
In addition, it seems necessary to promote healthy lifestyles in physical education lessons, especially
Adolescents: An Exploratory Study. during adolescence, as they could serve as a gateway for the improvement of health-related fitness in
Children 2024, 11, 83. https://doi.org/ future generations. Increasing the amount of physical activity among young people is vital. Therefore,
10.3390/children11010083 it would be essential to develop intervention programs in physical education classes, especially
during adolescence, aimed at promoting and increasing physical activity and its benefits.
Academic Editors: Ali S. Brian, Emily
Munn and Thomas Cade Abrams
Keywords: physical education; cardiorespiratory fitness; body image; body mass index; adolescents
Received: 6 December 2023
Revised: 2 January 2024
Accepted: 9 January 2024
Published: 10 January 2024 1. Introduction
In human development, childhood and adolescence are two fundamental stages. The
current and future state of health will be positively affected by developing, acquiring, and
Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.
maintaining certain healthy behaviours during these stages [1,2]. During the early stages of
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. life, especially in childhood and adolescence, a multitude of behavioral, cognitive, physical,
This article is an open access article and physiological changes occur [3]. Among these changes are those related to physical
distributed under the terms and condition and body composition. These changes, as well as the acquisition, or not, of active
conditions of the Creative Commons healthy habits, are of great relevance in adulthood and even in old age [2].
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// In relation to healthy lifestyle habits, one of the most important which has decreased
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ in recent years is physical activity [4]. This concept is defined as any physical movement
4.0/). performed by skeletal muscles that requires the expenditure of energy. Physical activity

Children 2024, 11, 83. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11010083 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/children

Children 2024, 11, 83 2 of 10

refers to all movement, including leisure, getting to and from places, and working. Both
moderate and vigorous physical activity improve health [5]. According to the World Health
Organization [6], obesity is a global epidemic with serious health consequences. Given
this aspect, the World Health Organization recommends carrying out at least 60 min a
day of physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity for children and adolescents [6].
Accordingly, it is shown that a higher level of physical activity is relationship with a lower
likelihood of being overweight or obese [7,8]. Moreover, greater physical, psychosocial, and
cognitive benefits are associated with regular physical activity [9]. In this sense, physical
education, which provides students with skills and knowledge related to physical activity,
is an ideal environment for promoting physical activity, as well as training in physical
activity skills that can be applied beyond the academic setting [10].
Otherwise, and following the healthy habits line, anthropometric aspects have been
treated as an important factor to consider. In relation to body parameters, a previous
study [11] has shown that having higher levels of body mass index (body mass index:
defined as an indicator of body density as determined by the body weight to height ratio)
is related to lower physical activity levels due to reduced energy expenditure. Furthermore,
psychological problems such as low self-esteem, changes in body image, and difficulties
with peer relationships are more common in obese children and adolescents [12]. Further,
it is important to note that obese children and adolescents have been shown to be up to
five times more likely to become obese in adulthood compared to those who are not obese
when growing up [13].
Furthermore, and related to positive consequences in children and adolescents, regular
physical activity has also been shown to improve fitness in children and adolescents [14].
This concept is defined as the ability to perform physical activity and/or exercise without
excessive fatigue, and this term is identified as an integrated measure of all the functions
involved in participation in physical activity or exercise [15]. Such is the importance of
physical activity in the physical fitness of adolescents that it has been shown that a low
level of cardiorespiratory fitness is a major cardiovascular risk factor, compared to other
body composition parameters such as overweight and obesity [16]. Therefore, a high
level of physical fitness means a good physiological response and, as a result, a lower risk
of suffering from cardiovascular diseases [17]. Nevertheless, several factors of physical
fitness, such as cardiorespiratory fitness and strength, have been declining over the last few
decades [18]. As physical fitness tends to decline from early childhood to adulthood, this is
a public health concern.
In accordance with all this, childhood, and especially adolescence, is a key period
for the improvement and/or integration of body image [19]. Mainly this stage is key to
avoiding body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction is the negative evaluation an individual
has of their own body, including judgements about size and shape, and a perceived
discrepancy between their actual and ideal body type [20].
In relation to this, it is widely proven that children and adolescents are much more
dissatisfied when their body mass index increases [19], fundamentally between the ages
of 15 and 18, which is when it manifests more due to the passage of time and pubertal
stage. This concept is widely marked at a cultural level, but there are aspects that can
help its acceptance, as is the case of performing physical activity among school-age young
people [21]. Avoiding high body dimensions in boys and girls is essential, since it avoids
major maladaptive outcomes such as disordered eating and low self-esteem [22]. However,
regarding psychosocial benefits, previous studies have shown that increased physical
activity is positively associated with high body satisfaction [23,24]. Previous meta-analysis
suggests that objective changes in physical fitness, perceived changes in physical fitness
and, self-efficacy are three mechanisms that may promote the positive association between
physical activity and body image [25]. Regarding the associations established jointly among
physical activity, body mass index, and body satisfaction, people with higher levels of
physical activity were found to have a better self-concept in the study by Trejo et al. [26].
Finally, and regarding sex, previous studies carried out in adolescents have shown that boys
Children 2024, 11, 83 3 of 10

practice more physical activity than girls, showing differences in their body composition,
physical fitness, and body satisfaction [21,22,27,28].
Previous studies have related different parameters to physical activity in isolation,
whereas in the present research we relate all the parameters together in relation to the
physical activity levels of adolescents. Moreover, we consider that it is a good exploratory
study to continue investigating in the future. Therefore, based on the above, the present
study establishes as its main objective (1) to know the association between physical activity
with body composition (using body mass index), physical fitness (by cardiorespiratory
fitness), and body dissatisfaction. The secondary objectives were (2) to identify the differ-
ences between the sexes for each of the above variables; and (3) test to what extent physical
activity can predict physical fitness in adolescents. In relation to the objectives and based
on previous studies, the following hypotheses were proposed:

Hypothesis 1 (H1). There will be significant relationships between the study variables (physical
activity, body mass index, physical fitness, and body dissatisfaction).

Hypothesis 2 (H2). Boys will obtain higher physical activity scores and physical fitness, and lower
body composition scores and body dissatisfaction than girls.

Hypothesis 3 (H3). Adolescents with higher levels of physical activity would show a higher level
of physical fitness.

2. Material and Methods

2.1. Participants and Design
This cross-sectional study was developed as part of the Physical Activity and Promo-
tion of Health-Related Behaviours in Adolescents project [29]. Baseline data were collected
from adolescents in Extremadura (Spain) between March 2018 and June 2019. In total,
1166 participants from 22 secondary schools were recruited in this study, of which 642 were
boys (M = 13.16; SD = 0.91) and 524 were girls (M = 13.08; SD = 0.85). The type of sampling
was convenience-based depending on the availability of the schools to collaborate in the
research. Participants were selected based on their age. Participation within the school
was voluntary and only participants who did not want to participate were excluded. If
any participant had any of the study items missing, they were also excluded. First, the
questionnaire on levels of physical activity and body dissatisfaction was administered.
Once conducted, we valued the anthropometric measures of the participants and then
the physical tests were carried out. At that time, during school hours, we collected the
data so we had the results of the questionnaires in less than an hour while the physical
and anthropometric tests took longer, approximately two to three hours. When we had
collected all the information from the same school, we visited another. The investigation
was approved for data collection by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Teaching and
Teacher Education of the University of Extremadura. This research was carried out in
accordance with the ethical guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki (89/2016).

2.2. Instruments
Anthropometric measures. Adiposity parameters were assessed using standardised
anthropometric techniques. Each measurement was performed twice, and the average was
recorded. Weight was measured with an electronic scale (SECA 701; range, 0.05–220 kg;
precision, 0.05 kg) and height was measured using the Frankfort Plane and a telescopic
measuring rod (SECA 220; range, 85–200 cm; precision, 1 mm). After measuring weight
and height, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms
by the square of the height in meters.
Physical activity. The physical activity was estimated using the Physical Activity
Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) previously adapted and validated into Spanish by
Martínez-Gómez et al. [30]. The validity and reliability of this scale for assessing physical
Children 2024, 11, 83 4 of 10

activity levels in Spanish adolescents is supported by its correlation with total physical
activity (r = 0.39), and moderate and vigorous physical activity (r = 0.34) as assessed by
accelerometer, as well as its alpha coefficient (α = 0.79) and intraclass correlation coefficient
(ICC = 0.71) [30,31]. The Cronbach’s alpha for this scale was also found to be 0.79 in the
present investigation. The scale comprises of nine items that evaluate physical activity
participation over the past seven days at various times, such as during physical education
classes, school breaks, lunchtime, after school, evenings, and weekends. Each response is
scored on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 to 5. The physical activity score is calculated by
averaging all responses. Higher scores indicate higher levels of physical activity.
Cardiorespiratory fitness. The Course-Navette test was used to assess cardiorespiratory
fitness [14]. This is a field test that involves running from one line to another which is
20 metres away, and gradually increasing the speed based on a sound signal. The initial
speed is 8.5 km/h, and it increases by 0.5 km/h. The test ends when the participant fails to
reach the finish line at the same time as the audio signal for the second consecutive time,
or when the competitor stops due to faulty equipment. A loudspeaker to reproduce the
sound signal and a 20-metre non-slip surface are required. The test has been shown to be
valid and reliable in children and adolescents. To calculate cardiorespiratory fitness, the
Leger [32] formula was used, and its measurement is in VO2max [32].
Body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction was assessed with the body image dimen-
sional assessment instrument [33]. This instrument has been previously validated in
Spanish adolescents [33]. The body image dissatisfaction assessment (BIDA) is a question-
naire comprising four items. Students answer questions about four silhouettes related
to their sex and age, allowing them to quantify their level of body dissatisfaction (BD),
sexual body dissatisfaction (SxBD), and comparative body dissatisfaction (CBD). The text
adheres to conventional structure and formatting features, including consistent citation
and footnote style. No changes in content have been made. The final body dissatisfaction
index (BDI) is calculated based on the difference between the actual and ideal body image.
The language used is clear, concise, and objective, with a formal register and precise word
choice. The logical structure and causal connections between statements are maintained,
and the text is free from grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation errors.
SxBD indicates the difference between the subject’s current body image and their ideal
figure for the opposite gender. CBD expresses the difference between the subject’s current
body image and that of many same-sex, same-age people. The scores for the three items
were expressed as percentages, ranging from −100% to 100%. Positive scores indicate
greater body dissatisfaction, while lower scores indicate less body dissatisfaction. The BDI
score was calculated as the mean of the absolute values of SxBD, ScBD, and CBD.
Covariates. Participants self-reported their age (in years), sex (male/female), and
socioeconomic status. Children’s and adolescent’s socioeconomic status was measured
using the Family Affluence Scale-III (FAS III; [34]). A socioeconomic status score ranging
from 0 to 9 was calculated based on the responses to four questions.

2.3. Procedure
Letters were sent to parents and head teachers explaining the nature and purpose of the
study. Both parents and participants were given written informed consent, which explained
the aims and nature of the study. This consent form was signed by the parents and/or legal
guardians and by the participants themselves for participation in the research. All students
who did not provide informed consent were not included. To carry out the evaluations,
the research team travelled to the school. The evaluations were conducted by experts in
physical activity and sports. The measurements were created by the same research team,
with each member specialising in a specific test to minimise the possibility of measurement
errors. The assessments were carried out on the same day at school, always starting with the
anthropometric variables, later the questionnaires were provided to analyse the perceived
or self-reported variables, and finally the physical variables were carried out. All this with
Children 2024, 11, 83 5 of 10

the purpose of homogenising the tests, avoiding any contamination in the individuals or
alterations that could affect the normal collection of data.

2.4. Analysis of Data

Descriptive statistics (i.e., mean scores and standard deviations), and Pearson corre-
lations were calculated for continuous variables. To test whether the data were normally
distributed, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was also performed. SPSS version 23.0 for Win-
dows (IBM) was used to perform these analyses. The Pearson coefficient was also used to
calculate correlations between study variables.
Finally, the statistical package Mplus 7.0 [35] was used to assess the predictive capacity
SEM structural equation model (SEM) of fitness, body mass index, and body image dissat-
isfaction on cardiorespiratory fitness. Likewise, to ensure a proper model fit, we used the
following goodness-of-fit indices as reference points: Minimum Residual Likelihood (MRL),
Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI), Standardised Root Mean Square
Residual (SRMR), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSA). Regarding the
CFI and TLI, values above 0.90 are considered suitable indicators of good fit [36]. However,
for SRMR and RMSA coefficients, values below 0.60 are considered correct [36]. Although
other studies have demonstrated acceptable values between 0.60 and 0.80 [37].

3. Results
Table 1 presents the descriptive statistics of the variables studied. Independent samples
t-tests revealed significant differences in physical activity between males and females
(p > 0.05) and in cardiorespiratory fitness (p > 0.05), but not for body mass index and body
dissatisfaction, where no differences were found. They presented significant differences,
although average scores were slightly higher than the male sex in body dissatisfaction.

Table 1. Descriptive statistics of the study variables.

Total Boys Girls Bivariate Correlations

Study Variables F p
M ± SD M ± SD M ± SD 1 2 3 4
1. Physical activity 2.21 ± 0.50 2.31 ± 0.34 2.10 ± 0.40 2.51 <0.001 - −0.06 −0.10 * 0.33 **
2. BMI 21.3 ± 3.83 21.3 ± 2.85 21.2 ± 3.02 3.39 0.71 - - 0.58 ** −0.29 **
3. Body dissatisfaction 3.17 ± 14.3 3.05 ± 12.28 3.30 ± 13.38 1.64 0.77 - - - −0.22 **
4. Cardiorespiratory fitness 42.7 ± 5.93 44.7 ± 5.42 40.3 ± 6.02 71.9 <0.001 - - - -
Note. * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.05; M: Media; SD: Standard deviation; BMI: Body Mass Index.

Bivariate correlations for the study variables are shown in the same table. In this sense,
significant positive correlations were shown between body fitness and cardiorespiratory
fitness (r = 0.33; p < 0.05), and significant negative correlations with body dissatisfaction
(r = −0.10; p < 0.05). On the other hand, body mass index was significantly positively asso-
ciated with body dissatisfaction (r = 0.58; p < 0.05), and significantly negatively associated
with cardiorespiratory fitness (r = −0.28; p < 0.05).
Finally, to assess the predictive ability of physical activity on cardiorespiratory ca-
pacity through body dissatisfaction and body mass index, the following predictive model
(Figure 1) was posited, but it did not exhibit good fit indices: MRL_2 = 112.541, p < 0.05,
CFI = 0.63, TLI = −0.11, SRMR = 0.15, and RMSA = 0.22. Therefore, a decision was made to
restructure the model based on modification indices. These suggested modifications led us
to adjust the model concerning the relationships between body mass index and body dissat-
isfaction. These modifications resulted in the model (Figure 1) displaying good fit indices:
MRL_2 = 302.755, p < 0.05, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, SRMR = 0.02, and RMSA = 0.02, suggesting
that both body dissatisfaction and BMI negatively predict cardiorespiratory capacity.
 made to restructure the model based on modification indices. These suggested
modifications led us to adjust the model concerning the relationships between body mass
index and body dissatisfaction. These modifications resulted in the model (Figure 1)
displaying good fit indices: MRL_2 = 302.755, p < 0.05, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, SRMR = 0.02,
Children 2024, 11, 83
and RMSA = 0.02, suggesting that both body dissatisfaction and BMI negatively 6predict
of 10

cardiorespiratory capacity.

Figure
Figure 1. Structural
1. Structural equation
equation model
model predictorofofcardiorespiratory
predictor cardiorespiratoryfitness.
fitness.Note.
Note. BMI:
BMI: Body
Body mass
mass
index; BDI: Body dissatisfaction index; CRF: Cardiorespiratory fitness.
index; BDI: Body dissatisfaction index; CRF: Cardiorespiratory fitness.

4. Discussion
4. Discussion
TheThe objective
objective of study
of this this study
was towas to understand
understand the association
the association betweenactivity
between physical physical
and activity and body composition,
body composition, physical fitness,physical
and bodyfitness, and body dissatisfaction.
dissatisfaction. The first hypothesis The first
indicated thatindicated
hypothesis there willthat
be significant
there will be correlations
significantbetween
correlationsthe study
between variables
the study (physical
variables
activity, bodyactivity,
(physical mass index,
bodyphysical
mass index, fitness, and body
physical dissatisfaction).
fitness, The results confirmed
and body dissatisfaction). The results
theconfirmed
hypothesis,the except for bodyexcept
hypothesis, dissatisfaction
for bodyand body mass index
dissatisfaction whichmass
and body were index
negativelywhich
related,
were but not significantly.
negatively related, but In not
linesignificantly.
with the above, Ruizwith
In line et al.the
[14]above,
showed significant
Ruiz et al. [14]
associations between associations
showed significant levels of body dissatisfaction
between levels of bodyand physical fitnessand
dissatisfaction in children and
physical fitness
adolescents.
in childrenInandthe adolescents.
same way and Inas in same
the the present
way and study, Prieto’s
as in [38] research
the present study, negatively
Prieto’s [38]
associates
researchphysical
negatively activity and body
associates physical mass index,and
activity butbody
in this
masscaseindex,
and unlike our case
but in this study,
and
theunlike
association was significant. Moreover, these results are in line with
our study, the association was significant. Moreover, these results are in line with those obtained by
Coelho
those etobtained
al. [39], by
who concluded
Coelho et al. that
[39],four
whodays per week
concluded thatoffour
physical
days activity
per week canofreduce
physical
or activity
regulatecanbody dissatisfaction.
reduce or regulate body dissatisfaction.
Additionally,
Additionally,Bassett-Gunter
Bassett-Gunter et al.et[25]
al. conducted
[25] conducted a meta-analysis that provided
a meta-analysis scien-
that provided
tific evidenceevidence
scientific supporting the criticalthe
supporting rolecritical
of three mechanisms
role in explainingin
of three mechanisms theexplaining
associationthe
between physical
association activity
between and body
physical image:
activity andgoal-directed
body image:changes in physical
goal-directed changes activity, per-
in physical
ceived changes in physical fitness, and changes in self-efficacy. Considering
activity, perceived changes in physical fitness, and changes in self-efficacy. Considering this research
and others,
this suchand
research as Santana
others, et al. [40],
such higher et
as Santana levels of physical
al. [40], activityofled
higher levels to a decrease
physical activityinled
body mass index, resulting in better physical condition and lower
to a decrease in body mass index, resulting in better physical condition and lower levels of body dissatis-
levels
faction. Furthermore, physical activity in early ages is important as
of body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, physical activity in early ages is important as it is it is associated with
higher levels with
associated of cardiopulmonary
higher levels of fitness, according to
cardiopulmonary recentaccording
fitness, systematic toreviews [39]. In
recent systematic
line with these results, a three-year longitudinal study found that an increase of 6.9 min
reviews [39]. In line with these results, a three-year longitudinal study found that an
per day of physical activity was associated with an increase in the mean distance of the
20-metre walk test from 968 to 1070 m [40]. Therefore, accumulating minutes of physical
activity per day can be shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness [41–43].
Concerning the second hypothesis, it was suggested that boys would achieve better
scores in physical activity, body composition, physical fitness, and body satisfaction than
girls. The results partially confirmed the hypothesis, as higher levels of physical activity
and cardiorespiratory fitness were achieved. However, no significant differences were
observed for body satisfaction and body mass index. In accordance with this, the study by
Muros et al. [44] is consistent with these results. This research stated that no differences in
body mass index were found regarding sex. Likewise, body mass index scores were lower
in girls, as was shown in the research by Ramos, Rivera, and Moreno [45], which showed
that boys have higher body mass index than girls. Therefore, the second hypothesis could
be confirmed in all its parameters except body mass index. The higher the value of an
Children 2024, 11, 83 7 of 10

individual’s cardiorespiratory capacity, the greater the amount and intensity of aerobic
work they can perform, surely a consequence of having higher levels of physical activity.
That is, a better motor capacity may be a consequence of them being faster individuals. In
line with the results of the present study, it has been shown that boys are faster than girls.
Likewise, studies such as that of Mayorga et al. [46] had results similar to the present study.
On the other hand, in relation to the sex differences in physical activity levels, the study
shows that the participants who conducted more physical activity were boys, showing
significant differences between both sexes. This result is consistent with that found by
Zurita-Ortega et al. [47], in which significant relationships between physical activity levels
in terms of sex were found in their results. Along these lines, the results of Saucedo
et al. [48] are consistent with this study and show that boys were more physically active
than girls.
This research also revealed differences, although not significant, have been obtained
between body satisfaction in boys and girls, presenting higher scores in boys. According
to results of the present research, the previous studies by Cachón-Zagalaz et al. [49] and
Palomares-González et al. [50] obtained results similar and concluded that boys had higher
body satisfaction scores than girls. In addition to this, the study conducted by Sánchez-
Miguel et al. [21] found that boys who engage in higher levels of physical activity are more
likely to be satisfied with their physical appearance. To conclude the second hypothesis,
significant differences in cardiorespiratory fitness were found between boys and girls. Thus,
the higher the cardiorespiratory fitness value of a student, the greater the amount and
intensity of aerobic work they can perform, surely a consequence of having felt more body
dissatisfied. That is, a better score in cardiorespiratory fitness may be a consequence of
being faster individuals. In line with the results of the present study, it has been shown that
boys have better oxygen consumption than girls. Similarly, the study by Gómez-Campos
et al. [51] show similar results to the present work since they demonstrated that adolescents
who practiced physical activity regularly had better levels of cardiorespiratory fitness.
Regarding our hypothesis, our study has shown that there is a positive and significant
relationship between physical activity and physical fitness. Additionally, our findings
also revealed negative relationships between physical activity, body dissatisfaction, and
BMI. This finding aligns with the findings in the studies by Neil-Sztramko [52] and Fair-
clough [53], which show that interventions on physical activity conducted in the school
environment can impact both physical fitness and body dissatisfaction, as well as body
mass index. This could be explained through the effects of multicomponent interventions
aimed at increasing the amount of daily physical activity in children and adolescents, where
strategies such as active breaks or active recess periods might affect physical fitness or BMI.
Despite the important findings, there are some limitations to the present research.
Firstly, as a cross-sectional investigation, it is not possible to establish cause-effect rela-
tionships of the results, so the cause-effect relationship of physical activity on body mass
index, cardiorespiratory fitness and body dissatisfaction cannot be demonstrated. Secondly,
the level of physical activity has been self-reported by the students, which does not allow
us to know exactly the amount physical activity of the children and adolescents and can
lead to biases in the evaluation of physical activity. Thirdly, the non-randomisation of the
sample may introduce certain biases in its interpretation. To address these limitations, the
use of objective tools such as accelerometers to measure physical activity more accurately
would be useful in future research. Furthermore, these instruments could be used to test
for differences between moderate and vigorous activity in relation to adolescents’ body
mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, in the future,
it would be interesting to explore the relationship between the analysed variables from a
qualitative perspective. This would involve assessing the acceptance of one’s body based
on individual criteria, as well as the potential for physical activity and fitness improvement.
Such an approach would provide a more comprehensive assessment of these variables and
aid in the development of programs aimed at improving health outcomes among children
and adolescents.
Children 2024, 11, 83 8 of 10

5. Conclusions
In conclusion, the results showed that boys who exercised had lower body mass index
and lower body dissatisfaction compared to girls who exercised. This study provides
evidence of the impact of physical activity on body composition, physical fitness, and
body dissatisfaction in children and adolescents. It is important to note that higher levels
of physical activity are associated with better body composition and physical fitness, as
well as lower levels of body dissatisfaction. It is important to recognise that there may be
individual variations in the effects of physical activity on different adolescents. Increasing
physical activity among adolescents is vital due to the associated physical and psychological
benefits. Physical education in school provides an ideal environment to promote physical
activity and improve young people’s perceptions and body image. Therefore, it would be
logical to develop intervention programs, particularly during adolescence, to promote and
increase physical activity. This is due to the benefits associated with this behaviour.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, M.I.M.-D. and M.Á.T.-S.; methodology, M.V.-S.; soft-

ware, M.V.-S. and M.Á.T.-S.; formal analysis, M.V.-S. and M.Á.T.-S.; investigation, M.I.M.-D.
and P.A.S.-M.; resources, P.A.S.-M.; data curation, M.Á.T.-S.; writing—original draft preparation,
M.I.M.-D.; writing—review and editing, M.I.M.-D. and P.A.S.-M.; visualization, M.Á.T.-S.; super-
vision, M.Á.T.-S. and P.A.S.-M.; project administration, P.A.S.-M.; funding acquisition, P.A.S.-M.
All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the
Faculty of Sports Sciences of the University of Extremadura for data collection. This research was
carried out following the ethical guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki (89/2016). The approval
date was 22 July 2015.
Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Data Availability Statement: The data presented in this study are available on request from the
corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy and ethical restrictions.
Acknowledgments: The authors wish to thank the schools, children, adolescents, supervisors,
and their par-ents/guardians who generously volunteered to collaborate in the research. We also
acknowledge all the staff members included in the fieldwork for their efforts, consideration, and
great enthusiasm.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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