Relationship between anthropometric values and physical fitness in children and adolescents

The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between anthropometric variables and physical fitness in children and adolescents, assessing the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) and Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR) on motor performance. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study of 455 children and adolescents (92 girls and 363 boys) aged between 6 and 17, enrolled at the Sports Initiation Center (NIES) in Canaã dos Carajás-PA. Anthropometric measurements were taken and flexibility, strength, aerobic endurance, speed and agility tests were applied. The results indicated that a higher BMI was negatively correlated with aerobic endurance and positively associated with upper limb explosive strength and flexibility. WHR was negatively correlated with flexibility and lower limb explosive strength, especially among girls. WHtR had the most significant correlations, negatively impacting cardiorespiratory endurance and muscle strength, but showing a positive association with agility and speed. We conclude that body composition significantly influences physical fitness, highlighting the importance of monitoring anthropometric indicators in childhood and adolescence to promote health and motor performance.