Motor functionality, nutritional status and anthropometric cardiometabolic risk indices in Chilean adolescents between 12 and 15 years

Abstract

This study aims to determine the relationships between motor function values, nutritional status, and anthropometric health indices in Chilean adolescents aged 12 to 15 years: a cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic and convenience sample, with a final sample of 384 schoolchildren (13.04 ± 0.85 years). All participants attended two assessment sessions, where a medical history and a medical physical examination was conducted. In the second session, anthropometric evaluations and the tests considered in the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) battery were performed. The results showed that 46.62% of the adolescents were overweight and/or obese. The total FMS score was 14.29±2.85 and significant differences were found in BMI (body max index) p=0.000 and in weight p=0.002 according to administrative unit. There is an association between FMS and WC (waist circumference), BMI and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (r=-0.31**p<0.003, r=-0.14**p<0.004 and r=0.38**p<0.003, respectively). It was also found that those schoolchildren with cardio metabolic risk would also have a higher risk related to poor quality of motor function. It is concluded that high levels of anthropometric parameters that generate cardiovascular risk, especially excess weight, and high waist circumference, are related to poor motor function. On the other hand, cardiovascular problems are produced at this stage of life, regardless of gender and administrative dependence of schools, which demonstrates that poor nutrition and lack of physical activity have a cross-cutting impact on society.