Abstract des Autors

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity, physical fitness and somatic characteristics in 27 prepubertal girls aged 9 years. Somatic measurements included body height, body mass and five skinfolds. Physical activity was recorded using the parental seven-day recall. Physical fitness was evaluated by using the EURIFIT test battery. Significant (P<0.05) correlations were found between several physical fitness and somatic or physical activity indices. Significant, positive correlations (r=0.46./.0.59) were found between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity scores and fitness indices, where the body mass was moved or projected. The sum of five skinfolds was negatively correlated with endurance shuttle run (r=-0.64) and bent arm hang (r=-0.40). Physical fitness tests, where functional strength, flexibility, speed of limb movement or agility are required, were not significantly correlated with somatic characteristics and physical activity scores. The results of stepwise multiple correlation revealed that somatic characteristics accounted for 32% of variance, and in combination with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity - for 41% of variance in endurance shuttle run. These findings suggest that in prepubertal girls the body mass, body fatness and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity have significant associations with physical fitness tests where the body mass was moved or projected. Verf.-Referat