| Body
Mass Index (BMI) has often questionably been used to define body build.
In the present study body build was defined more specifically using
fat free mass index (FFMI = fat free mass normalised to the stature)
and fat mass index (FMI = fat mass normalised to stature). The body
build of an individual is 'solid' in individuals with a high FFMI
for their FMI and is 'slender' in individuals with a low FFMI relative
to their FMI. The aim of the present study was to investigate the
association between aerobic test performance and body build defined
as solid, average or slender in 10 to 15 year old children. Five-hundred-and-two
children (53% boys) aged 10 to 15 years of age were included in the
study. Aerobic test performance was estimated with an incremental
cycle ergometer protocol and a shuttle run test. BMI and percentage
fat (by skin folds) were determined to calculate FMI and FFMI. After
adjustment for differences in age, gender and body mass the solid
group achieved a significantly higher maximal power output (W) and
power output relative to body mass (W/kg) during the cycle test (p
< 0.05) and a higher shuttle-run score (p < 0.05) compared to
the slender group. The power output relative to FFM (W/kg FFM) was
comparable (p > 0.05) between different body build groups. This
study showed that body build is an important determinant of the aerobic
test performance. In contrast, there were no differences in aerobic
test performance per kilogramme FFM over the body build groups. This
suggests that the body build may be determined by genetic predisposition.
KEY
WORDS: Shuttle run test, cycle test, BMI, percentage fat, solid
body build, slender body build.
|
