Abstract

Studies of well-nourished children indicate a significant effect of lean body mass and body fat on physical performance which is independent of the influences of stature and body weight. Chronic undernutrition is associated with reduced body size and changes in body composition. The relationships of body composition and physical performance may thus be altered in chronically undernourished individuals. This question is considered in a sample of school-age boys who were born and raised, and who currently live under conditions of chronic mild-to-moderate undernutrition. Conclusions: Changes in body composition under conditions of mild-to-moderate undernutrition do not alter the relationship between lean body mass and performance compared to well-nourished children. However, relationships between fatness and performance are changed. The lack of an influence of relative fatness on perfomances involving the displacement of body mass in these moderately undernourished boys may be suggestive of a threshold level above which an excessive percentage of fatness exerts a negative influence on performance. Verf.-Referat