Influence of age, sexual maturation, anthropometric variables and body composition on flexibility

Authors

  • Giseli Minatto Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
  • Roberto Régis Ribeiro Faculdade Assis Gurgacz
  • Abdallah Achour Junior Universidade Estadual de Londrina
  • Keila Donassolo Santos Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-0037.2010v12n3p151

Abstract

Since flexibility is an important component of health-related physical fitness at all ages, this parameter should be evaluated in children and adolescents because the ability to acquire and maintain levels of flexibility is greater in this age group. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate body weight, height, BMI and flexibility according to chronological age and sexual maturation and to determine the influence of these variables on flexibility in students from public and private schools. A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted. The sample consisted of 2604 girls aged 8 to 17 years. Body weight, height, BMI, sexual maturation, and flexibility were evaluated. The data were analyzed descriptively using the following inferential tests: two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey post-hoc test, Pearson’s and Spearman’s simple correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The SPSS® 13.0 program was used for all statistical analyses, with a level of significance of p< 0.05. Significant differences with increasing age and maturation stage were observed for the variables body weight, height and BMI when compared to the subsequent year. In conclusion, body wei-ght and height increased with increasing age, especially between 8 and 13 years, and flexibility remained stable throughout childhood and adolescence.

Author Biographies

Giseli Minatto, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Roberto Régis Ribeiro, Faculdade Assis Gurgacz

Abdallah Achour Junior, Universidade Estadual de Londrina

Keila Donassolo Santos, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Published

2010-01-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles