Is Muscular Fitness Associated with Future Health Benefits in Children and Adolescents? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies

Association between physical fitness and normal weight obesity in children and adolescents from Poland

OBJECTIVES

Normal weight obesity (NWO) is defined as elevated adiposity, despite normal body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study was to compare the results of selected fitness parameters in Polish children and adolescents from Poland with and without normal weight obesity.

METHODS

The study was cross-sectional and school-based. Body height, weight and adiposity, as well as the results of selected fitness tests, were obtained. BMI was calculated, and only normal-weight individuals were included. NWO was defined as normal BMI with adiposity ≥85 percentile for age and sex.

RESULTS

Children with NWO tended to have better results of absolute dynamometric strength and overhead medicine ball throw. On the other hand, when the dynamometric strength was normalized for the body mass nonNWO group achieved better results. Furthermore, NWO group had lower explosive muscle strength of the lower limbs, agility, as well as abdominal muscle strength, and endurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Obtained results suggest that NWO is associated with a decrease in at least some fitness parameters in children and adolescents. Therefore, it can be hypothesized, that normal weight obesity can result in poorer fundamental motor skills. Moreover, as parameters such as muscle strength have been shown to be associated with cardiometabolic risks, described results can also be important in the context of the present and future health of the children. The results also highlight the importance of monitoring physical fitness and body composition in children, as individuals with NWO are almost indistinguishable from normal weight non-obese counterparts based on current standard surveillance protocols.

Back pain in children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Back pain is a growing problem worldwide, not only in adults but also in children. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to investigate and understand the factors that influence the early onset of back pain. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of back pain in children and adolescents and to identify predisposing risk factors and protective factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2019 in schools from northern Portugal, evaluating 1463 students aged 9 to 19 years, of both genders. The instruments used were the Spinal Mouse® to assess posture, the Inbody 230® to assess body composition, an online questionnaire to characterize the sample and back pain, and the FITescola® battery test to access physical fitness.

RESULTS

Half of the subjects experienced back pain at least once in their lifetime. The most frequently mentioned were lumbar spine and thoracic spine, mostly with mild or moderate pain intensities. Age, female gender, percent body fat, prolonged smartphone and computer use, hyperkyphosis, and the lateral global spine tilt to the left side are all factors with higher relative risk of back pain. Practicing physical activity or sports regularly and video games have a protective effect.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of back pain in children and adolescents is very high: The study enhances the case for protective factors such as physical activity habits or video games while reinforcing risk factors such as percent body fat, prolonged smartphone or computer use, and posture.