Fatness, Growth and Motor Fitness of Belgian Boys 12 Through 20 Years of Age

Document Type

Article

Authors

G Beunen, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
R M. Malina, University of Texas, Austin, Texas
M Ostyn, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
R Renson, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
J Simons, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
D Van Gerven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium

Abstract

Relationships between fatness, growth and motor fitness are considered in a nation­wide mixed-longitudinal sample of 21,174 Belgian boys 12 through 20 years of age (The Leuven Growth Study of Belgian Boys). Fatness was estimated from four skinfolds relative to a reference body and from the sum of four skinfolds. Fatness was related to 12 anthropometric dimensions and 9 motor fitness tasks with zero order and partial correlations. In addition, comparisons were made between the fattest 5% and leanest 5% of the boys in each age group. Correlations between estimated fatness and anthropometric dimensions were highest for body weight, slightly lower for circumferences and skeletal breadths, and lowest for linear dimensions. Correlations between fatness and motor fitness were generally low and frequently negative. At all ages the fattest boys had larger body dimensions, but attained poorer results in most motor fitness test items, especially those in which the body is moved or projected.

Recommended Citation

Beunen, G; Malina, R M.; Ostyn, M; Renson, R; Simons, J; and Van Gerven, D (1983) "Fatness, Growth and Motor Fitness of Belgian Boys 12 Through 20 Years of Age," Human Biology: Vol. 55: Iss. 3, Article 6.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol55/iss3/6