Adiposity, physical activity and neuromuscular performance in children

Abstract

We investigated the associations of body fat percentage, objectively assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and different types of physical activity assessed by a questionnaire with neuromuscular performance. The participants were 404 children aged 6–8 years. Body fat percentage (BF%) was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and physical activity by combined heart rate and movement sensing and a questionnaire. The results of 50-metre shuttle run, 15-metre sprint run, hand grip strength, standing long jump, sit-up, modified flamingo balance, box and block, and sit-and-reach tests were used as measures of neuromuscular performance. Children who had a combination of higher BF% and lower levels of physical activity had the poorest performance in 50-metre shuttle run, 15-metre sprint run, and standing long jump tests. Higher BF% was associated with slower 50-metre shuttle run and 15-metre sprint times, shorter distance jumped in standing long jump test, fewer sit-ups, more errors in balance test, and less cubes moved in box and block test. Higher levels of physical activity and particularly MVPA assessed objectively by combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor were related to shorter 50-metre shuttle run and 15-metre sprint times. In conclusion, higher BF% and lower levels of physical activity and particularly the combination of these two factors were associated with worse neuromuscular performance.