Estrategia pedagógica para mejorar la alimentación y la aptitud física en deportistas categoría sub 11

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a pedagogical strategy on healthy eating and physical fitness.in the U11 category of the Dinamic Soccer Sports Club of the city of Tunja, Boyacá. The sample consisted of 18 athletes, and two types of instruments were used for data collection: The Healthy Lifestyle, Eating and Physical Activity Habits Questionnaire (CHVSAAF) and physical tests. The first was the Cooper test, which evaluates endurance, the second was the squat per minute test, which measures strength, and the third was the 30-meter speed test. A quantitative approach and a pre-experimental design were used. The pedagogical strategy consisted of six training sessions for parents on healthy habits and lifestyles and 12 physical exercise sessions (two per week for six weeks) for the athletes. The results of the questionnaire (CHVSAAF) revealed changes in the athletes’ eating habits. The frequency of consumption of proteins, fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates exhibited positive and significant changes between the pre-test and post-test. Additionally, there was a reduction in the frequency of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, an effect associated with nutrition training for parents. However, challenges persist, as there was an increase in the consumption of processed products, and only 44.44% of parents prioritized healthy foods at lunchtime. In terms of physical fitness, significant improvements were demonstrated in all of the tests administered: The Cooper test (resistance) P=0.000, the squat test (strength) P=0.000, and the speed test P=0.000. However, the Body Mass Index (BMI) exhibited no significant changes P=0.069. The conclusion drawn from these findings indicates that the implementation of the pedagogical strategy demonstrated positive effects and was effective in promoting healthier eating habits and enhancing the physical fitness of the children from the Dinamic Soccer sports club.