Title
An allometric modelling approach to identify the optimal body shape associated with, and differences between Brazilian and Peruvian youth motor performance
Date Issued
01 March 2016
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Universidad Nacional de Educación Enrique Guzmán y Valle
Publisher(s)
Public Library of Science
Abstract
Children from developed and developing countries differ in their body size and shape due to marked differences across their life history caused by social, economic and cultural differences which are also linked to their motor performance (MP).We used allometric models to identify size/shape characteristics associated with MP tests between Brazilian and Peruvian schoolchildren. A total of 4,560 subjects, 2,385 girls and 2,175 boys aged 9-15 years were studied. Height and weight were measured; biological maturation was estimated with the maturity offset technique; MP measures included the 12 minute run (12MR), handgrip strength (HG), standing long jump (SLJ) and the shuttle run speed (SR) tests; physical activity (PA) was assessed using the Baecke questionnaire. A multiplicative allometric model was adopted to adjust for body size differences across countries. Reciprocal ponderal index (RPI) was found to be the most suitable body shape indicator associated with the 12MR, SLJ, HG and SR performance. A positive maturation offset parameter was also associated with a better performance in SLJ, HG and SR tests. Sex differences were found in all motor tests. Brazilian youth showed better scores in MP than their Peruvian peers, even when controlling for their body size differences The current study identified the key body size associated with four body mass-dependent MP tests. Biological maturation and PA were associated with strength and motor performance. Sex differences were found in all motor tests, as well as across countries favoring Brazilian children even when accounting for their body size/shape differences.
Volume
11
Issue
3
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Antropología
Anatomía, Morfología
Ciencias de la educación
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-84961159190
PubMed ID
Source
PLoS ONE
ISSN of the container
19326203
Sponsor(s)
The authors thanks the following funding in Brazil: CAPES Foundation—Ministery of Education, Scholarship Process N° 99999.007403/2014-03.
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus