Physical fitness in preschool children in relation to later body composition at first grade in school.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study aimed to investigate whether better physical fitness in kindergarten predicts later healthier body composition in first grade at school.

Methods

Body composition was assessed by skinfold thickness measurements. Physical fitness tests included 20 m shuttle run test, handgrip strength test, standing long jump test, 4x10 m shuttle run test as part of PREFIT fitness test battery, and one-leg stance test from EUROFIT test battery. The participants of this study were 147 Estonian children (51% boys) aged 6-8 years, who were measured in the transition from kindergarten to school.

Results

After adjusting for maternal body mass index, educational attainment, child's sex, age at the measurements, greater cardiovascular and motor fitness, relative lower bod

SUBMITTER: Reisberg K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7806175 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature