Barbry A, Carton A, Ovigneur H, Coquart J. Relationships between sports club participation and physical fitness and body mass index in childhood.
J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2021;
62:931-937. [PMID:
34180649 DOI:
10.23736/s0022-4707.21.12643-x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Physical fitness (PF) is a powerful determinant of health. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between sports club (SC) participation and PF, and body mass index (BMI) in children.
METHODS
The population included 15,625 children (8,029 boys and 7,596 girls) 5 to 10 years old divided into three aged groups. PF was assessed with the Diagnoform® Kid from 5 tests measuring different components: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, speed, coordination, agility and flexibility. BMI was calculated. SC participation was documented. The sports were classified into four categories based on the educational goal (C1, C2, C3, C4). The relationships between sex, age, BMI class and SC participation were tested.
RESULTS
The children who practiced in SC had better PF than those who did not. C1 (track and field, swimming, triathlon and cycling) and C4 (team, combat and racket sports) sports seemed to be associated with a better PF.
CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that SC participation may be an element for building health. Preventive healthcare projects for SC dropouts (obese children and girls) are needed.
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