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Correlation between BMI, leisure habits and motor abilities in childhood (CHILT-project)
C Graf1, B Koch, E Kretschmann-Kandel
1Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany. CPGraf@aol.com
Insights
Childhood obesity is linked to poorer motor skills and endurance. Promoting an active lifestyle in children can improve their gross motor development and prevent obesity-related health issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Exercise Science
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern with significant medical and psychosocial implications.
- This study investigates the relationship between body mass index (BMI), motor abilities, and leisure activities in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between body mass index (BMI), motor abilities, and leisure habits in children.
- To understand the impact of physical activity on motor development and weight status in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 668 children (51.0% boys, 49.0% girls) participated in the CHILT (Children's Health InterventionaL Trial) project.
- Data collected included anthropometrics, motor abilities (using the Köperkoordinationstest für Kinder; KTK and a 6-min run), and self-reported leisure behaviors.
- Statistical analysis explored correlations between BMI, motor performance, and physical activity levels.
Main Results:
- Children with higher BMI exhibited poorer gross motor development (KTK: r=-0.164, P<0.001) and endurance (6-min run: r=-0.201, P<0.001).
- Overweight and obese children demonstrated significantly lower motor performance compared to normal/underweight children, even after adjusting for age and gender (P<0.001).
- Higher levels of physical exercise were positively associated with better motor quotient (MQ) scores (P=0.035).
Conclusions:
- Overweight and obesity in children are associated with diminished gross motor development and reduced endurance.
- An active lifestyle is positively correlated with enhanced gross motor development in young children.
- Early interventions promoting exercise and movement are recommended to combat physical inactivity and childhood obesity.
Introduction:
The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing with its negative medical and psychosocial consequences. This paper examines the association between body mass index (BMI), motor abilities and leisure habits of 668 children within the CHILT (Children's Health InterventionaL Trial) project.
Method:
A total of 668 children (51.0% boys; 49.0% girls) and their parents were questioned on sport and leisure behaviour of the children. The anthropometric data were measured. Motor abilities were determined by a body gross motor development test for children (Köperkoordinationstest für Kinder; KTK) and a 6-min run.
Results:
The children were 6.70 +/- 0.42 y old, 122.72 +/- 5.36 cm tall and weighed 24.47 +/- 4.59 kg, the average BMI was 16.17 +/- 2.27 kg/m2. KTK showed an average motor quotient (MQ) of 93.49 +/- 15.01, the 6-min run an average of 835.24 +/- 110.87 m. Both tests were inversely correlated with BMI (KTK and BMI r=-0.164 (P<0.001); 6-min run and BMI r=-0.201 (P<0.001)); the group of overweight/obese children showed poorer results than the normal/underweight ones, even after adjustment for gender and age (in each case P<0.001). Children with the greatest extent of exercise achieve the highest MQ (P=0.035).
Summary:
Overweight/obesity is associated with a poorer body gross motor development and endurance performance. On the other hand, an active lifestyle is positively correlated with a better gross motor development in first-grade children. Therefore, to prevent the negative consequences of physical inactivity and overweight/obesity early intervention to support exercise and movement is recommended.
