Physical performance and school physical education in overweight Spanish children.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of physical performance and extracurricular organized physical activities (EOPA) in normal- and overweight children.


METHODS
A random sample of 1,068 schoolchildren (7-12 years old) representative of the region of Aragon (Spain) was selected and divided into normal-, overweight and obese groups based on previously published body mass index reference standards. Physical performance was assessed by the European physical test battery. EOPA were estimated when children performed at least 3 h per week during the previous year in addition to school physical education.


RESULTS
Overweight and obese subjects had lower performances on all tests requiring propulsion or lifting of the body mass (standing-broad jump, sit-ups, bent-arm hangs, speed shuttle run and endurance shuttle run) when compared with normal-weight counterparts (p < 0.001). The overweight and obese children showed greater hand grip strength measures than the normal-weight ones (p < 0.001). Plate tapping and sit reach test scores were similar in both groups. The participation in EOPA was similar in normal- and overweight or obese groups; however, a significant increase with age was observed (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
In this age group, overweight was not related to EOPA participation. Overweight children had poorer results on weight-bearing tasks. The good results in static strength, coordination and speed of limb movements in overweight children should be considered in the promotion of physical activity programs for overweight children.
Casajús
José A
JA
Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y del Deporte, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. joseant@unizar.es <joseant@unizar.es>
Leiva
María T
MT
Villarroya
Adoración
A
Legaz
Alejandro
A
Moreno
Luis A
LA
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D050177:Overweight; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D013030:Spain; D016474:Weight-Bearing