Deleterious effects of obesity on physical fitness in pre‐pubertal children

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity in children has increased dramatically during the past decades in Europe and understanding physical fitness and its components in children is critical to design and implement effective interventions. The objective of the present study was to analyse the association between physical fitness (aerobic, speed, agility, power, flexibility and balance) and body mass index (BMI) in pre-pubertal children. A total of 2411 healthy schoolchildren (7-11 years) participated in this study. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition were assessed by skinfold thickness. Physical fitness was measured by nine physical fitness tests: endurance running, 20 m running speed, agility, handgrip strength, standing long jump and squat jump, sit and reach, medicine ball forward throw and static balance. No relevant differences were observed between boys and girls regarding anthropometric characteristics, body composition and physical fitness. However, overweight and obese children showed significantly lower physical fitness levels in endurance running, speed and agility (mean: +18.8, +5.5 and +14.5% of time to complete tasks, respectively), lower limb power normalised to body mass (-23.3%) and balance tests (number of falls: +165.5%) than their normal weight counterparts. On the other hand, obesity did not affect handgrip, throwing and flexibility. In conclusion, increased BMI was associated with lower performance capabilities limiting proper motor skill development, which directly affects the ability of children to take on sports skills. Actions undertaken to promote children's wellness and fitness should be prioritised and introduced early in life with the aim of enhancing physical fitness as well as preventing overweight and obesity.

Relationships between different nutritional anthropometric statuses and health-related fitness of South African primary school children

“…This is in agreement with studies considering older children and adolescents which have suggested a non-linear relationship between BMI and health related fitness (Huang & Malina, 2007; Mak et al., 2010). Studies have indicated that over-nutrition may affect the physical fitness of children, with overweight and obese children performing more poorly on physical fitness tests then normal weight children, when required to move their bodyweight through space (Brunet et al., 2007; Ceschia et al., 2016; Dumith et al., 2010; Prista et al., 2003; Raudsepp & Jürimäe, 1996; Sacchetti et al., 2012; Shang et al., 2010; Tokmakidis et al., 2006; Truter et al., 2010). Walking and running at the same speed requires a greater absolute energy expenditure in obese children when compared to normal weight children (Maffels et al., 1993).…”

Bajos niveles de rendimiento físico, VO2MAX y elevada prevalencia de obesidad en escolares de 9 a 14 años de edad

“…En una muestra de escolares, los sujetos con sobrepeso u obesidad mostraron niveles significativamente más bajos de aptitud física en carrera de resistencia, velocidad y agilidad. Además, se concluyó que el aumento del IMC se asoció con una capacidad de rendimiento más baja que limita el desarrollo adecuado de las habilidades motoras (25). Inclusive, existe evidencia científica de que la obesidad en la etapa preescolar estuvo asociada con un pobre desempeño físico (26).…”

Imagen Corporal Y Autoestima en Niños Según Su Estado Nutricional Y Frecuencia De Actividad Física

“…En una investigación realizada en escolares, aquellos con sobrepeso u obesidad, mostraron niveles significativamente más bajos de aptitud física en carrera de resistencia, velocidad y agilidad (24) y la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria que es un componente fundamental de un estilo de vida saludable (25).…”