Changes in Nutritional Status and Conditional Physical Capacities after a Combined Physical Exercise Program

Abstract

Insufficient physical activity among adolescents represents a major public health concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a combined physical exercise program on nutritional status and physical fitness components in secondary school students. A quasi-experimental longitudinal pre–post design with a single intervention group was employed. A total of 53 adolescents aged 12–15 years completed an 18-week program consisting of five 90-minute sessions per week. Body mass index for age (BMI-for-age), body fat percentage, and physical fitness were assessed using the ALPHA-Fitness test battery. Among males, significant reductions were observed in BMI-for-age (Δ = −0.23 kg/m²; p = .001) and body fat percentage (Δ = −0.88%; p < .001), along with increases in estimated VO₂max (Δ = 1.25 ml•kg⁻¹•min⁻¹; p = .003) and standing long jump performance (Δ = 3.98 cm; p < .001). Among females, significant reductions were recorded in BMI-for-age (Δ = −0.12 kg/m²; p = .010) and body fat percentage (Δ = −0.55%; p < .001), along with improvements in standing long jump performance (Δ = 2.60 cm; p < .001). No significant changes were observed in the categorical distribution of nutritional status according to BMI-for-age classification (p > .05). Statistically significant changes were observed in anthropometric and functional variables following the intervention, consistent with improvements in physical fitness and nutritional status indicators among school-aged adolescents.