Abstract
The inverse association between body weight and physical fitness has been well documented but there remains limited information on the association of weight change with the development of physical fitness, particularly in elementary school children. The present study, therefore, examined the association between change in weight status and the development of physical fitness from the ages 6 to 10 years in 301 Austrian children (55.1% male). Body weight and height were measured according to standard procedures and physical fitness was assessed via the German motor test (DMT 6-18) at baseline and 4-year follow-up. Overweight/obesity was determined using the 90th BMI percentile at each measurement time and children were classified as always normal weight, always overweight/obese, weight gainers (transition from normal weight to overweight/obese) and weight losers (transition from overweight/obese to normal weight). The majority of children (80.1%) maintained normal weight while 7.9% were considered overweight/obese throughout the observation period. A total of 10.3% were classified as weight gainers and only 1.7% were considered weight losers. Weight gainers and those who were overweight/obese throughout the observation period displayed lower improvements in physical fitness, except for flexibility, compared to those who maintained normal weight. Of particular concern is the lack of improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness in weight gainers and overweight/obese children during the elementary school years. Given the detrimental effects of excess body weight on the development of physical fitness, preventive measures that emphasize a healthy body weight and facilitate physical activities that enhance physical fitness should start at young age.
Highlights
Physical activity and motor development are considered key determinants of health and general well being during childhood and adolescence (Andersen et al, 2017; Dencker et al, 2006; Janssen & Leblanc, 2010)
Overweight/obesity was determined using the 90th Body mass index (BMI) percentile at each measurement time and children were classified as always normal weight, always overweight/obese, weight gainers and weight losers
BMI and prevalence of overweight/obesity did not differ between boys and girls
Summary
Physical activity and motor development are considered key determinants of health and general well being during childhood and adolescence (Andersen et al, 2017; Dencker et al, 2006; Janssen & Leblanc, 2010). Motor competence and physical fitness during childhood and adolescence has been associated with physical activity levels across the life course, and is considered an important component in the promotion of an active and healthy lifestyle (Loprinzi, Davis, & Fu, 2015). Longitudinal studies focused predominantly on adolescents (Augste, Lämmle, & Künzell, 2015; Drenowatz & Greier, 2019; Greier & Drenowatz, 2018) while data on the prospective association between body weight and physical fitness as well as motor competence during the elementary school years remains sparse, in Austria. The intention of the present study, was to provide longitudinal data that examines the interaction between change in body weight and the development of various components of physical fitness and motor competence over a 4-year period in Austrian elementary school children
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