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Adiposity, physical activity and neuromuscular performance in children.


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Authors

Haapala, Eero A 
Väistö, Juuso 
Lintu, Niina 
Tompuri, Tuomo 

Abstract

We investigated the associations of body fat percentage (BF%), objectively assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and different types of physical activity assessed by a questionnaire with neuromuscular performance. The participants were 404 children aged 6-8 years. BF% was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and physical activity by combined heart rate and movement sensing and a questionnaire. The results of 50-m shuttle run, 15-m sprint run, hand grip strength, standing long jump, sit-up, modified flamingo balance, box-and-block and sit-and-reach tests were used as measures of neuromuscular performance. Children who had a combination of higher BF% and lower levels of physical activity had the poorest performance in 50-m shuttle run, 15-m sprint run and standing long jump tests. Higher BF% was associated with slower 50-m shuttle run and 15-m sprint times, shorter distance jumped in standing long jump test, fewer sit-ups, more errors in balance test and less cubes moved in box-and-block test. Higher levels of physical activity and particularly MVPA assessed objectively by combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor were related to shorter 50-m shuttle run and 15-m sprint times. In conclusion, higher BF% and lower levels of physical activity and particularly the combination of these two factors were associated with worse neuromuscular performance.

Description

Keywords

Adiposity, DXA, children, physical activity, physical fitness, Absorptiometry, Photon, Adipose Tissue, Adiposity, Body Mass Index, Child, Exercise, Exercise Test, Hand Strength, Humans, Male, Motor Skills, Movement, Muscle Strength, Muscle, Skeletal, Obesity, Physical Fitness, Postural Balance, Running, Surveys and Questionnaires

Journal Title

J Sports Sci

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0264-0414
1466-447X

Volume Title

Publisher

Informa UK Limited
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_12015/3)
Medical Research Council (MC_U106179473)