Physical growth and fatness as related to physical activity in preadolescent girls.
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of physical activity with somatic growth and body fatness in preadolescent girls. One hundred twenty three girls ranging in age from 7 to 9 years (mean age = 8.2 +/- 1.4 yrs) participated in this study. Physical growth characteristics included height, body mass, 4 girths (arm, chest, thigh, calf) and 2 widths (knee, elbow). The sum of five skinfolds (triceps, biceps, subscapular, abdominal, medial calf) was calculated as the indicator of fatness. Physical activity was assessed by parental seven-day recall for the child. Somatic characteristics were non significantly (p > 0.05) related to physical activity. Body mass and sum of skinfolds were significantly negatively (p < 0.01; r = -0.27 and r = -0.39, respectively) related to moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). After controlling for the effects of body size, the relationship between sum of skinfolds and MVPA remained significant (p < 0.01; r = -0.30). It was concluded that with exception of body mass and fatness, physical growth was not related to physical activity in preadolescent girls.
University of Tartu, Institute of Sport Pedagogy, Estonia.
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Raudsepp
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Päll
D000886:Anthropometry; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006128:Growth; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis