A comparative study between traditional and sports school uniforms on cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and waist-height-to-ratio in adolescents

Background Improving health of children and adolescents is crucial for their overall development. Therefore, it essential to explore factors that may influence at both the public school system levels. Objective This study compares physical fitness components waist-height-to-ratio (WHtR) in according uniforms, namely traditional uniform (i.e., shirt necktie boys skirt blouse girls) sports polo shirts or t-shirts sport short trousers). Additionally, seeks investigate potential differences these measures based on sex type public, subsidized, private). Methods cross-sectional used data from Chilean national learning outcome assessment (SIMCE)–2014 involved 8,030 adolescents. Cardiorespiratory (CRF) muscular (MF) were measured. WHtR was assessed as a cardiovascular indicator. Mixed models ANCOVA performed compare types, adjusting multiple covariates. value p effect size (ES) establish significant results. Results Overall, uniforms (SU) linked higher CRF ( < 0.001) than (TU). Boys private schools wearing SU presented = 0.016; ES 0.37), positive trend observed MF 0.645; 0.21). In found 0.005; 0.16). Girls showed 0.167; 0.28). Trends sexes 0.555; 0.24; 0.444; 0.25, respectively). Conclusion Wearing seems promissory alternative promote healthy body composition educational level. However, relationship between activity CRF, MF, lower due must be verified. Finally, when deciding implement this measure, special attention paid girls all types schools.