[Not Available].

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Exercise Science
• Sports Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Assessing muscular fitness in children and adolescents is crucial for identifying health risks.
• Reference values for muscular condition are needed to interpret performance metrics.
• Adiposity indicators are linked to adverse health outcomes in youth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine reference values for muscular condition using the General Strength Index (IGF).
• To investigate the association between the IGF and adiposity indicators in Colombian schoolchildren.
• To establish a basis for early detection of metabolic and cardiovascular risks.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 7,268 students (9-17.9 years) in the FUPRECOL study.
• Measured IGF via handgrip strength (FP) and standing long jump (SL) tests.
• Assessed adiposity using BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and body fat percentage (%BF).

Main Results:

• A trend of increasing muscular fitness with age was observed in boys, while girls showed stability or slight increases.
• The IGF was inversely correlated with WHtR (r = -0.280) and %BF (r = -0.327) in boys (p < 0.01).
• Students in the highest IGF quartile (Q4) exhibited significantly lower adiposity markers (BMI, WC, WHtR, %BF) compared to the lowest quartile (Q1) (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Reference values for the IGF were established through standardized handgrip strength and standing long jump tests.
• The IGF serves as a valuable marker for muscular performance in youth.
• Early assessment of muscular strength can inform future cardiovascular and metabolic risk prevention programs.