Weight Status, Physical Activity and the Associations with Health Related Physical Fitness in Nine to Twelve Year Old Scottish Children

Purpose: This study examines the associations of both BMI and waist circumference measurements to health related physical fitness. Methods: The sample included 43 boys and 49 girls (10.7 ± 0.89 years). Measures included height, weight, BMI and waist circumference, physical activity (PAQ-C) and measures of physical fitness; cardio respiratory and muscular fitness. Results: Girls were stronger on the handgrip test (P=0.045) and had a higher BMI than boys (P=0.041). Boys performed better than girls for the standing broad jump (P=0.006) and cardio respiratory fitness shuttle run (P=0.030) but not on the handgrip test. 29% (37% of girls and 21% of boys) of participants were either overweight or obese. Participants with a higher BMI performed significantly poorer than their healthy counterparts on the standing broad jump (P=0.003) and cardio respiratory fitness shuttle run (P=0.002). Similar results were found in the larger waist circumference group, standing broad jump (P=0.044) and cardio respiratory fitness shuttle run (P=0.032). Finally, participants with a higher BMI or waist circumference had a greater score for the hand grip test (P=0.006; P=0.004). Conclusion: Early detection of poor weight status and low physical fitness are important so that those in need of intervention can be targeted as early as possible.