Relationship of Body Mass Index and Fitness Levels Among Schoolchildren

Abstract

Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the U.S.A., and understanding aspects of fitness is critical in implementing effective interventions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship of obesity levels with the fitness levels of public school children in Louisiana. Over 7,000 school children participated in body mass index (BMI) and Fitnessgram® subtests including the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (aerobic capacity), curl-ups, trunk lifts, push-ups (strength and endurance), and shoulder stretches (flexibility). The fitness measures and BMI were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression to test for any significant relationships. The results indicated that the participants with healthy BMIs have the highest levels of physical fitness. The differences between the fitness levels of obese and healthy children were statistically significant. This study demonstrated a direct relationship between BMI status and fitness levels as measured by the Fitnessgram® among study participants. This finding is not exceedingly surprising, as common sense tells us that the heavier a person is, the less likely he or she is to be physically fit. However, this study is an important first step in understanding weight issues in children. This information can be used to develop data-driven interventions to assist children in becoming healthier and more physically fit.

Lower Extremity Pain Is Associated With Reduced Function and Psychosocial Health in Obese Children

“…Previous studies report lower physical fitness levels, using the PACER, in obese children compared with nonobese peers; however, mean data were not reported [20]. In our overall sample, the mean PACER score was 13.4 laps, which is lower than the mean fitness level of 29.7 laps from a large school-based population [6].…”

“…Despite these recommendations, the time spent in physical activity and participating in sports is low in obese and overweight children when compared with healthy-weight children [21,49]. In a recent cohort study of over 7000 5 to 17 year olds, of whom 40% were classified as overweight (18%) or obese (22%) by BMI, obese children demonstrated lower physical fitness levels (measured by the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run [PACER]) compared with healthyweight children [20]. The relationships of factors such as musculoskeletal pain that may interfere with physical fitness or physical activity levels are unclear.…”

A systematic review to determine reliability and usefulness of the field-based test batteries for the assessment of physical fitness in adolescents – The ASSO Project

“…The review highlighted the sit and reach test with a number of 14 records found [63,118,128,139,[179][180][181][182][183][184][185][186] -the lowest point reached by the fingertips while standing on a box with legs extended with 1 record found [149], the V-sit and reach with 1 record found [187] and the shoulder stretches with 2 records found [117,188] (Table 6). …”

Alteraciones en el rendimiento físico de escolares: los Test Cafra y Navette y su asociación con la obesidad y riesgo cardiometabólico

“…Estudios realizados en Chile han demostrado que los escolares obesos presentan un perímetro de cintura más elevado, necesitan mayor tiempo para recorrer 400 metros y poseen niveles aumentados de glucosa basal (30), se ha descrito en escolares americanos, que un IMC saludable se asocia a mejores niveles de condición física (31).…”