Comparisons in physical fitness between obese, overweight and normal weight children aged 6-12 years old

Abstract

The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to compare the physical fitness between the obese, overweight, and normal weight children. A total of 453 children aged 6-12 years were participated. Children were categorized as “normal weight”, “overweight” and “obese” using The International Obesity Task Force (2000 & 2007). Body weight, height, and percent body fat were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Physical fitness including standing broad jump, sit-ups, shuttle run, 50-meters sprint, flexibility and muscle strength of lower extremities were examined.

Results revealed that obese children had an inferior performance in all physical fitness tests including the standing broad jump, sit-ups, shuttle run, 50-m sprint and leg strength normalized for body mass (p<0.05), except flexibility (p>0.05) than overweight and normal children. The same pattern was observed between overweight and normal children, significantly (p<0.05). In addition, absolute leg strength and fat-free mass were higher in obese children than in overweight and normal children, respectively (p<0.05). After controlling for fat-free mass, the group differences in leg strength were not found (p>0.05).