Medicinski pregled 2012 Volume 65, Issue 11-12, Pages: 470-475
https://doi.org/10.2298/MPNS1212470N
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Physical fitness is inversely related with body mass index and body fat percentage in soccer players aged 16-18 years
Nikolaïdis Pantelis Theodoros (Hellenic Army Academy, Laboratory of Human Performance and Rehabilitation, Nikaia, Greece)
Introduction: Adolescents are at increased risk for the development of
obesity, while sport has been suggested as an effective means against
adolescent obesity. The objectives of this study were to examine (a) the
prevalence of overweight/obesity, (b) the relationship between body mass
index and body fat percentage, and (c) the association between body mass
index, body fat and physical fitness in soccer players aged 16-18 yr.
Material and Methods: Members (n=109, aged 17.0±0.5 yr) of competitive
soccer clubs were examined for physical and physiological characteristics.
Results: Based on international body mass index cut-off points, 18.3% (n=20)
of participants were classified as overweight. Body mass index was highly
correlated with body fat percentage (r=0.70, p<0.001). Body fat percentage
was in inverse relationship with aerobic power (r=-0.21, p=0.029), maximal
anaerobic power (r=-0.20, p=0.044) and local muscular endurance (r=-0.39,
p<0.001), while corresponding values of body mass index were non-significant
(r=-0.05, p=0.614; r=0.03, p=0.771; r=-0.12, p=0.220, respectively).
However, both body fat percentage and body mass index were inversely related
with fatigue index of Wingate anaerobic test (r=-0.26, p=0.009; r=-0.29,
p=0.003, respectively). Conclusions: The strong relationship between body
mass index and body fat percentage suggest the further use of body mass
index in adolescent soccer players. The findings confirmed previous
observations on general population about the negative effect of overweight
and fatness on physical fitness. The prevalence of overweight among
participants was similar with what is observed in general population.
Therefore, sport participation cannot guarantee physiological body mass and
body composition, and it is necessary to prescribe exercise targeting body
mass and fat control.
Keywords: Body mass index, Physical exercise, Sport, Adolescent