Abstract Health problems related to a low level of physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents have prompted research into extracurricular PA programs. This study was designed to determine the effects of two different levels of PA on the health-related fitness of school children. Ninety-four girls and boys (7-9 years) were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) or intervention group (IG). Over a 12 week study period, children in the CG participated in a similar PA program to that of a standard school physical education program while those in the IG completed a high intensity interval training (HIIT) program. Both programs involved two 40 minute extracurricular sessions per week. Our findings indicate that the HIIT intervention improved motor capacity (speed/agility), Vpeak, VO2 max and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) (p < 0.05) along with the musculoskeletal capacity of the lower trunk (mean propulsive velocity and standing long jump, p < 0.05). The PA program had no effect on anthropometric variables or hand-grip strength. The data indicate that a 12 week strength training program using workloads adapted to children may significantly improve several markers of health and physical fitness compared to a standard school PA program.

The purpose of this review was to analyze the scientific production about extra-curricular physical activity (PA) in western children of 6-12 years. Medline / Pub-Med, Scopus and Google Scholar were used. This search collects articles published between January 1990 and May 2013. A total of 104 publications were analyzed. The body composition parameters are best used to assess the results of the studies, followed by those which estimate the maximum aerobic capacity. Articles of intervention are presented with very heterogeneous methodological features but there are clear trends in the use of certain aspects. As for the reviews, most are systematic and include meta-analysis. In this studies, body mass index (BMI) is the most used parameter.

El objetivo fue realizar un análisis de la producción científica desarrollada hasta la fecha sobre actividad física (AF) extra-curricular en niños occidentales de 6 a 12 años. Se utilizaron las bases de datos Medline/Pub-Med, Scopus y metabuscador Google Scholar para recoger artículos publicados entre enero de 1990 y mayo de 2013. Se analizó un total de 104 publicaciones. Los parámetros de composición corporal son los más utilizados para valorar los resultados de los estudios, seguidos de aquellos que estiman la capacidad aeróbica máxima. Los artículos de intervención se presentan con unas características metodológicas muy heterogéneas, aunque existen tendencias claras en el uso de determinados aspectos. En cuanto a las revisiones, la mayoría son sistemáticas e incluyen metaanálisis; el índice de masa corporal (IMC) es el parámetro más utilizado.

The purpose of this review was to analyze the scientific production about extra-curricular physical activity (PA) in western children of 6-12 years. Medline / Pub-Med, Scopus and Google Scholar were used. This search collects articles published between January 1990 and May 2013. A total of 104 publications were analyzed. The body composition parameters are best used to assess the results of the studies, followed by those which estimate the maximum aerobic capacity. Articles of intervention are presented with very heterogeneous methodological features but there are clear trends in the use of certain aspects. As for the reviews, most are systematic and include meta-analysis. In this studies, body mass index (BMI) is the most used parameter.

El objetivo fue realizar un análisis de la producción científica desarrollada hasta la fecha sobre actividad física (AF) extra-curricular en niños occidentales de 6 a 12 años. Se utilizaron las bases de datos Medline/Pub-Med, Scopus y metabuscador Google Scholar para recoger artículos publicados entre enero de 1990 y mayo de 2013. Se analizó un total de 104 publicaciones. Los parámetros de composición corporal son los más utilizados para valorar los resultados de los estudios, seguidos de aquellos que estiman la capacidad aeróbica máxima. Los artículos de intervención se presentan con unas características metodológicas muy heterogéneas, aunque existen tendencias claras en el uso de determinados aspectos. En cuanto a las revisiones, la mayoría son sistemáticas e incluyen metaanálisis; el índice de masa corporal (IMC) es el parámetro más utilizado.