Author(s): HERMASSI, S., KETELHUT, S., AL-MARRI, S., KONUKMAN, F., NIGG, C.R., SCHWESIG, R., Institution: QATAR UNIVERSITY, Country: QATAR, Abstract-ID: 274

INTRODUCTION:
Physical inactivity among children and adolescents is a significant public health concern that is becoming increasingly prevalent1,2. This study compared the levels of physical activity (PA), postural stability, explosive strength, and academic performance in normal weight and obese middle school students in Qatar.
METHODS:
Fifty-nine healthy schoolchildren were recruited (age: 12.0 ± 0.6 years; body mass: 59.4 ± 13.1 kg; height: 1.58 ± 0.09 m; body mass index (BMI): 23.7 ± 3.8  kg/m2, seat height: 122 ± 10 cm; arm span: 157 ± 10 cm). Based on age-specific BMI percentiles, the children were classified as normal weight (n=22, male: n=10) or obese (n=37, male: n= 19). Measurements included anthropometric data (height, sitting height, arm span, body mass, BMI) and physical performance tests (medicine ball throw (MBT); postural stability (PS)). Academic achievement was assessed through school records of grades point average in Mathematics, and Science courses. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form was used to estimate the total amount of time engaged in PA per week classified into three intensity levels: moderate (4 METs), vigorous (8 METs), and walking.
RESULTS:
With exception of the stork balance test (female obese: 1.92 ± 0.47 s), the female normal weight subjects showed the lowest performance level in all parameters. In contrast, the female obese subjects displayed the highest academic level in Arabic (85.0 ± 8.66), whereas, for the male obese group, the highest performance level in all other parameters (Medicine ball throw, stork balance test, Science, Mathematics) was calculated. In addition, the group of obese male subjects reported the largest amount of time engaged in moderate (533 ± 408 MET-minutes/week) and vigorous (1289 ± 827 MET-minutes/week) PA. Regarding daily walking time, female normal weight subjects reported the highest values (784 ± 514 MET-minutes/week).
CONCLUSION:
This study determined physical performance and academic achievement in BMI-stratified obese and non-obese adolescents. Surprisingly, the predictor’s gender and body weight did not influence the physical and academic performance of the investigated subjects. Future studies utilizing the gold standard for body composition measures or lean mass measures (e.g., hydrostatic weighing or D3-creatine) and additional parameters (e.g., sexual maturation status) are required to confirm our preliminary observations. Schools should consider strategies to improve physical performance as part of their overall strategy for improving academic achievement.

1García-Hermoso A et al., J Pediatr. 2017 Aug;187:127-133.e3.
2Chen X et al., BMC Public Health. 2020 Apr 5;20(1):444.