Weight status, physical activity and the associations with health related physical fitness in nine to twelve year old Scottish children

Purpose
This study examines the associations of both BMI and waist circumference measurements to health related physical fitness.

MethodsThe sample included 43 boys and 49 girls (10.7 ± 0.89 years). Measures included height, weight, BMI and waist circumference, physical activity (PAQ-C) and measures of physical fitness; cardio respiratory and muscular fitness.

ResultsGirls were stronger on the handgrip test (P=0.045) and had a higher BMI than boys (P=0.041). Boys performed better than girls for the standing broad jump (P=0.006) and cardio respiratory fitness shuttle run (P=0.030) but not on the handgrip test. 29% (37% of girls and 21% of boys) of participants were either overweight or obese. Participants with a higher BMI performed significantly poorer than their healthy counterparts on the standing broad jump (P=0.003) and cardio respiratory fitness shuttle run (P=0.002). Similar results were found in the larger waist circumference group, standing broad jump (P=0.044) and cardio respiratory fitness shuttle run (P=0.032). Finally, participants with a higher BMI or waist circumference had a greater score for the hand grip test (P=0.006; P=0.004).

ConclusionEarly detection of poor weight status and low physical fitness are important so that those in need of intervention can be targeted as early as possible.