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Adiposity, physical activity and neuromuscular performance in children
Eero A Haapala1,2, Juuso Väistö1,3, Niina Lintu1
1a Institute of Biomedicine/Physiology , University of Eastern Finland , Kuopio , Finland.
Journal of Sports Sciences
|January 7, 2016
Summary
Higher body fat percentage (BF%) and lower physical activity are linked to poorer neuromuscular performance in children. Combining high BF% with low activity levels showed the worst results in key fitness tests.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Exercise Physiology
- Biometrics
Background:
- Neuromuscular performance is crucial for children's physical development and function.
- Understanding the impact of body composition and physical activity on this performance is essential for public health.
- Existing research often relies on self-reported physical activity, potentially limiting accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between body fat percentage (BF%), objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and questionnaire-assessed physical activity types with neuromuscular performance in children.
- To determine if a combination of higher BF% and lower physical activity exacerbates negative effects on neuromuscular outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 404 children aged 6-8 years.
- Body fat percentage (BF%) measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
- Physical activity assessed via combined heart rate and movement sensing (objective) and a physical activity questionnaire (subjective).
- Neuromuscular performance evaluated using tests including 50-m shuttle run, 15-m sprint, hand grip strength, standing long jump, sit-ups, balance, and dexterity.
Main Results:
- Children with higher BF% and lower physical activity exhibited the poorest performance in speed and explosive power tests (50-m shuttle run, 15-m sprint, standing long jump).
- Elevated BF% was associated with slower sprint times, reduced jump distance, fewer sit-ups, poorer balance, and lower dexterity.
- Objectively measured higher physical activity, especially MVPA, correlated with faster sprint times.
Conclusions:
- Higher body fat percentage and lower physical activity levels are detrimental to children's neuromuscular performance.
- The combination of high BF% and low physical activity presents a significant risk factor for impaired neuromuscular function.
- Objective measurement of physical activity, particularly MVPA, provides valuable insights into its relationship with physical performance in children.
