Analysis of Children's Physical Characteristics Based on Clustering Analysis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Exercise Physiology
• Anthropometry

Background:

• Childhood physical fitness is crucial for long-term health.
• Variations in physique and body composition influence physical fitness metrics.
• Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is a key indicator of energy expenditure and fat-free mass.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess physical development, fitness, and BMR in Korean children.
• To identify distinct physical health clusters using a multivariate approach.
• To provide data for developing customized physical fitness management programs.

Main Methods:

• A multivariate approach was used to cluster 4410 Korean children (aged 6 years).
• Physical fitness components (endurance, strength, flexibility, agility, power, balance) were assessed.
• Physique and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were analyzed in relation to identified clusters.

Main Results:

• Four physical health clusters emerged: balance, muscular strength, low agility, and low physical fitness.
• Cluster 1 (balance) comprised predominantly slim children.
• Cluster 2 (muscular strength) included more obese, tall, and heavy children with the highest BMR.

Conclusions:

• Distinct physical health clusters exist in children, correlating with physique and BMR.
• Findings highlight the need for multidirectional approaches to physical fitness evaluation.
• Results offer primary data for creating individualized physical fitness management strategies.