RunUp Study - Motor Competence and Nutritional Status in Childhood

The alarming increase in childhood obesity is a complex challenge, influenced by several factors, such as inadequate eating habits, physical inactivity, family environment, relationships with peers and the entire sociocultural context. Furthermore, a trend towards lower levels of motor competence in children and excessive time in front of screens has been observed, which may contribute to the worsening of the problem, as motor competence is positively associated with a healthy lifestyle, with better levels of physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and better nutritional status.

Aware and alert to this issue, a group of researchers from the University of Évora of the Department of Sports and Health, and the NOVA Medical School of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the NOVA University of Lisbon, with different areas of specialization related to childhood (human motricity, nutrition, cardiology, pediatrics, nursing), joined together with the Municipalities of Évora and Viana do Alentejo and ARS Alentejo to carry out an innovative study that aims to characterize children (aged between 6 and 10 years old) from schools in Évora and Viana do Alentejo, in relation to their nutritional status, motor competence, physical activity, screen exposure time, health-related physical fitness and mental health.

The results of the RUN UP study will contribute scientific evidence that supports the definition of a local strategy to respond to the problems observed. The research team is also committed to creating an educational tool, based on current scientific evidence and aligned with international health and educational recommendations. This tool will aim to encourage and support children in behavioral change towards a healthy lifestyle, promoting healthy eating habits and regular physical activity in the school and family context.