Associations between physical activity and health-related physical fitness in 17 years-old girls

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between physical activity (PA) and health-related physical fitness (HRPF) of 17-year- old girls. The study was performed in 12 randomly selected secondary schools of Lithuania. The sample consisted of 233 17-year-old girls who were classified into three sub-groups according to their level of PA. PA level was assessed using the modified Short Form of IPAQ questionnaire. Body mass and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. HRPF was estimated by measuring speed and agility (10x5m shuttle test), explosive strength (standing broad jump test), trunk strength (sit-up test) and flexibility (sit-and-reach test). Body mass and BMI significantly differed among PA groups with the highest values in the Low PA group and the lowest in the High PA group. Girls experiencing higher PA levels scored better on explosive strength test. Flexibility, trunk strength scores, speed, and agility did not significantly differ among PA groups. The relationship between total volume of PA and explosive strength was low. No significant relationships were found between total volume of PA and other HRPF components. In addition, a significant association in explosive strength was identified. The 17-year-old girls experiencing a higher PA level have better explosive strength. However, no statistically significant relationships were found among 17-year-old girls’ total volume of PA and other HRPF components − flexibility, trunk strength, speed and agility.