Abstract

Because physical activity has a profound effect on body composition and since this statement is popular knowledge, one might expect to find numerous scientific studies of the changes which occur in body composition under the influence of physical regimen. However, an intensive search through the literature has revealed few studies on this topic, and these few have had almost exclusively adult men as subjects. Auxology, namely the science which has for its subject the study of the growth and somatic maturation in humans, has always considered motor and specifically sporting activity as an indispensable factor during the development age for the realization of intrinsic potential, providing the activity is appropriate for the biological age of the subject. The close relationship between sporting activity and psychophysical maturity seems to be verified also in prepuberal children. Then in prepuberal age, a regular physical activity seems capable to modify the growth (improvement in certain parameters such as the strength of the body segments), the force (improve of the force of hand prehension, aerobic capacity, vital capacity, etc.), sexual maturation, body composition (decrease in fat mass and increase of lean mass), mental status (developing of the optimism and a correct life style). Nevertheless its very important that the mental and physical structure of the child should be able to support sporting activity, to avoid undesiderable side-effects. Verf.-Referat