[Association between nutritional status and physical abilities in children aged 6 to 18 years in Medellin (Colombia)].

INTRODUCTION

Nutritional disorders in childhood may cause a decline in motor abilities and increased morbidity and mortality in adulthood.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between nutritional status and motor abilities.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed that included 12,872 children aged between 6 and 18 years who underwent a clinical evaluation and various physical tests.

RESULTS

Among the children, 66% had a Tanner maturation stage 1 and 2, 6% were under-nourished, and 12.2% were at risk of overweight and obesity. The obese children had a decrease in aerobic power (in 2.72 mL O2 kg(-1)·min(-1); 95%CI: 1.89 to 3.56; P<.001), speed (0.14m·sec; 95%CI: 0.06 to 0.22; P<.001), explosive strength (0.10 m; 95%CI: 0.06 to 0.13; P<.001), agility, strength endurance and balance. Under-nourished children showed a decrease in speed (0.13 m·sec; 95%CI: 0.06 to 0.20; P<.001), explosive strength (0.04 m; 95%CI: 0.01 to 0 07; P<.004), and strength endurance.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an association between nutritional status and motor abilities in the children included in this study. Obese children showed the worst results in physical tests, and the under-nourished ones showed a decrease in speed, explosive strength and strength endurance.