Physical Fitness, Hemodynamic Parameters and Body Fat Percentage in Urban Cameroonian Adolescents with Normal Weight and Overweight/Obese

Abstract

: This study aims to assess the effects of overweight/obesity on the physical fitness and hemodynamic parameters in urban Cameroonian adolescents aged 11 to 18. Thus, a sample of 804 participants, namely: 282 boys and 532 girls was taken and divided into two groups according to their Body Mass Index. The first group consisted of 534 normal-weighted participants (66.42%) and the second of 270 overweight participants (33.58%). Individual cards were used to collect anthropometric, hemodynamic and physical fitness data from adolescents. Results shown significant difference in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate between normal-weighted and overweight participants (P>0.05). Moreover, significant increase (p˂0.05) in Hand grip strength and Sit-ups for 30 sec associated with a decrease in 10×5-m shuttle run test and Standing broad jump test were observed in overweight adolescents of both sexes at all age groups. In addition, aerobic endurance results showed a significant decrease (P>0.05) in maximal oxygen uptake in overweight participants compared to normal-weighted. The results of this study show that being overweight imposes abnormal mechanics on body movements that can lead to a deterioration of cardiovascular system and physical fitness of adolescents