title: An Allometric Modelling Approach to Identify the Optimal Body Shape Associated with, and Differences between Brazilian and Peruvian Youth Motor Performance.
abstract: Children from developed and developing countries differ in their body size and shape due to marked differences across their life history caused by social, economic and cultural differences which are also linked to their motor performance (MP). We used allometric models to identify size/shape characteristics associated with MP tests between Brazilian and Peruvian schoolchildren. A total of 4,560 subjects, 2,385 girls and 2,175 boys aged 9-15 years were studied. Height and weight were measured; biological maturation was estimated with the maturity offset technique; MP measures included the 12 minute run (12MR), handgrip strength (HG), standing long jump (SLJ) and the shuttle run speed (SR) tests; physical activity (PA) was assessed using the Baecke questionnaire. A multiplicative allometric model was adopted to adjust for body size differences across countries. Reciprocal ponderal index (RPI) was found to be the most suitable body shape indicator associated with the 12MR, SLJ, HG and SR performance. A positive maturation offset parameter was also associated with a better performance in SLJ, HG and SR tests. Sex differences were found in all motor tests. Brazilian youth showed better scores in MP than their Peruvian peers, even when controlling for their body size differences The current study identified the key body size associated with four body mass-dependent MP tests. Biological maturation and PA were associated with strength and motor performance. Sex differences were found in all motor tests, as well as across countries favoring Brazilian children even when accounting for their body size/shape differences.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education, University Regional of Cariri, Crato, Ceará, Brazil.|CIFI2D, Kinanthropometry Lab, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Simonete
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: National University of Education Enrique Guzmán e Valle, Lima, Peru.
authors.forename: Alcibíades
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bustamante
authors.affiliation: School of Sports, Performing, Arts and Leisure, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nevill
authors.affiliation: Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America.
authors.forename: Peter T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Katzmarzyk
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal.
authors.forename: Duarte
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Freitas
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Pedagogical University, Maputo, Mozambique.
authors.forename: António
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Prista
authors.affiliation: CIFI2D, Kinanthropometry Lab, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D049628:Body Size / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010568:Peru; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012574:Schools