Physical activity (PA), physical fitness (PF) and obesity are significant health indicators.
PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between PA, PF and obesity among Malaysian adolescents aged 12–15 years old.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 758 boys and 755 girls from secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur. Weight, height, body fat percentage (%BF) was measured; and body mass index (BMI) calculated. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for youths was used to assess PA level. PF tests included 15-meter Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (15-m PACER), handgrip (both hands), modified back saver sit-and-reach (MBSSR), and 1-minute sit-up test.
RESULTS: Mean BMI of boys and girls were 20.2±4.1 kg/m2 and 20.5±4.4 kg/m2, respectively, with obesity occurring in 10.8% boys and 8.6% girls. Mean moderate-to-vigorous PA among boys (301.5 ± 305.0 min/week) was significantly higher than girls (204.2 ± 217.4 min/week) (p<0.01). Mean PACER score was 42.8 ± 17.6 and 24.5 ± 8.5 laps; handgrip strength 54.9 ± 12.6 kg and 42.0 ± 9.2 kg; sit-ups 29.7 ± 6.2 and 21.0 ± 5.3; MBSSR flexibility was 54.4±8.3 cm and 55.7±9.1 cm; in boys and girls, respectively. PA had significant correlation with %BF, BMI and PF variables (all p<0.05). Higher PA level was correlated with higher PF, lower %BF and lower BMI. BMI was positively correlated with %BF and handgrip strength, and negatively correlated with sit-up, PACER and PA level (all p<0.005). PACER was negatively associated with obesity (p<0.001), while handgrip strength was positively associated with obesity (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The findings reveal that Malaysian youth with higher PA level were more likely to have better physical fitness, lower %BF and lower BMI. As such, school-based intervention programs to increase physical activity are important in order to improve physical fitness and decrease the prevalence of obesity among Malaysian adolescents.
FUNDING:This work was carried out with the aid of a research grant from the NUS Initiative to Improve Health in Asia (NIHA) coordinated by the Global Asia Institute of the National University of Singapore and supported by the Glaxo Smith Kline-Economic Development Board (Singapore) Trust Fund.
© 2015 American College of Sports Medicine
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