Physical Fitness and Cardiometabolic Risk in Seven to Nine Years Old Children

Abstract Background: Obesity and lower physical fitness levels in children are related to the development of cardiometabolic risk. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship of cardio-metabolic risk and physical fitness in school children from Santiago de Chile.Methods: Physical fitness was assessed as cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength. Fitness was measured using the six-minute-walk-test and muscle strength was assessed by hand grip and standing lung jump. Overweight (≥ 1 SD) and obesity (≥ 2 SD) were determined by body mass index. A cross sectional study was done in 452 children (185 boys and 267 girls), age range (7-9 years). Cardio-metabolic-risk (serum glucose, triglycerides, HDL, insulin) and waist for height ratio was expressed as z score. Data was analyzed using bivariate analysis and multiple and logistic regression.Results: A 21% were obese and 27% overweight. Children with high body fat and low cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength had an OR of 6.8-fold (IC 95% 3.4 to 13.9) cardiometabolic risk z-score, compared to those most fit.Conclusion: School children with higher body fat and lower physical fitness had increased cardio-metabolic-risk-score. No significant difference in cardio-metabolic risk in the non-obese children was found independent of their physical fitness.