The relationship between strength measurements and anthropometric indicators (BMI and skinfold thickness) in Ellisras rural adolescents aged 9–15 years: Ellisras longitudinal study

Abstract

Purpose. Handgrip strength and arm hang have been recognized as predictors of muscle strength and presented as biomarkers for important health outcomes and overall fitness of an individual. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between arm hang and handgrip strength with bMI and skinfold thickness. Method. The total of 769 children (391 boys and 378 girls) aged 9-15 years underwent a series of anthropometric and strength measurements with the use of standard procedures. Linear regression was applied to assess the relationship of arm hang and handgrip strengths with body mass index and skinfold thickness.Results. The prevalence of undernutrition and low strength measurements was high (1.7-85%) while the prevalence of overweight and obesity was low (1.5-4.2%) in the Ellisras children aged 9-15 years. boys showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) mean arm hang (9.6-13.1 kg) than girls (4.0-5.1 kg) aged 11-15 years. There was a significant (p < 0.05) association between low strength and underweight among Ellisras rural children when unadjusted (Or = 0.650; 95% cI = 0.487-0.867) and adjusted (Or = 0.650; 95% cI = 0.489-0.868) for age and gender. Conclusions. The prevalence of undernutrition and poor strength was high. An association was observed between arm hang and anthropometric indicators while handgrip showed no significant association with anthropometric indicators. Further studies are needed to investigate the association between strength and undernutrition over time.

Ellisras Longitudinal Study 2017: the association of fat patterning with blood pressure in Polokwane private school children aged five to 15 years (ELS 22)

“…Compared to the results found in the Polokwane rural population (Ellisras area), the Ellisras children had a low prevalence of hypertension 5 and overweight. 21 Monyeki et al 5 indicated that results from rural South African children are different from urban South African children and children from Western countries. The results found in this study support the statement from Monyeki et al 5 The present study found a positive association between fat patterning ratios and blood pressure.…”