[Evaluation of nutritional habits, nutritional status and physical performance in selected group of adolescents]

The purpose of the study was the assessment of nutritional status and nutritional habits as well as physical fitness in a group of 74 adolescents (44 girls and 30 boys) aged 13-19 years, spending their holidays in a recreation centre in Klodzko Valley and the evaluation of correlation coefficients between these parameters. The nutritional status (NS) was evaluated on the basis of body mass index (BMI), skin folds thickness and total body fat (FM). Nutritional habits (NH) were estimated by the method of dietary history with special attention paid to consumption of selected food products and regularity of meals. Physical performance (PhP) of the group was assessed by Harvard's step-test. Evaluation of nutritional habits indicated only a few cases of improper nutrition but about 33% of total examined group followed nutrition guidelines and the scores of NH received by the main part of this group (ca. 66%) were recognised as sufficient. Differences of NS, in adolescents were found, but there was no case of obesity. Significant number of girls (21-55%) showed low values of BMI (<18.4 kg/m2) which could indicate insufficient energy intake. No correlation between NH and NS was however found. Level of physical fitness of the examined group was quite high and strongly correlated with nutritional habits (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). The results proved that the relationship between NH and PhP can be noticed in relatively young persons and that the evaluation of NS of youngsters should include a simple physical performance test.