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The Association between Body Mass Index and Muscular Fitness in Chinese College Freshmen

Author

Listed:
  • Feng Sun

    (Institute of Sports Science College, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China)

  • Qiang He

    (College of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China)

  • Xiaohan Sun

    (Institute of Sports Science College, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China)

  • Jianxin Wang

    (Institute of Sports Science College, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China)

Abstract

(1) Background: The present study aimed to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and muscular fitness in Chinese college freshmen. (2) Methods: A total of 6425 college freshmen in mainland China were recruited. BMI was classified as underweight (<18.5 kg/m 2 ), normal weight (18.5~23.9 kg/m 2 ), overweight (24~27.9 kg/m 2 ), and obese (≥28 kg/m 2 ), according to the Working Group on Obesity in China. Health-related physical fitness components including cardiorespiratory fitness, lower body explosive power, upper body muscular endurance, abdominal muscular endurance, flexibility, and vital capacity were assessed. Physical fitness index and muscular fitness index were calculated, respectively, as the sum score of the standardized values (z-score) of the corresponding components. Three regression models were used to evaluate the potential associations: a linear regression model, a polynomial regression model, and a restricted cubic spline regression model. Adjust R square was used to compare among models. (3) Results: Significant differences were observed among different BMI categories in nearly all physical fitness components as well as physical fitness z-score and muscular fitness z-score ( p < 0.001), regardless of gender. Significant linear associations were found between BMI and physical fitness z-score as well as muscular fitness z-score among total, male, and female groups ( p < 0.05). However, the restricted cubic spline regression model showed a better fitting effect (adjust R 2 was 7.9%, 11.2%, and 4.8% in total, male, and female for physical fitness and 7.7%, 15.7%, and 4.0%, for muscular fitness, respectively), compared with the linear and polynomial regression models, presented by a higher adjusted R 2 . Restricted cubic splines analysis showed that BMI value and physical fitness z-score showed a non-linear relationship with an approximate inverted U curve in all groups, while an approximate reversed J-shaped association was observed between BMI and muscular fitness z-score in all groups. (4) Conclusions: The present study showed a nonlinear negative relationship between BMI and physical fitness with underweight and overweight/obese college freshmen having poorer physical fitness and muscular fitness than their normal BMI peers, which may provide useful evidence to the development of public health recommendations and encourage the health management of young adults. Future studies should further explore the relationship between BMI and muscular fitness with multi-centered large sample size studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng Sun & Qiang He & Xiaohan Sun & Jianxin Wang, 2022. "The Association between Body Mass Index and Muscular Fitness in Chinese College Freshmen," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-13, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14060-:d:956150
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hsiu-Hsi Chiang & Po-Fu Lee & Yun-Tsung Chen & Chi-Fang Lin & Shu Xu & Yi-Tien Lin & Yu-Ting Lin & Yan-Jhu Su & Ben-Chang Shia & Wen-Sheng ChangChien & Chien-Chang Ho, 2022. "Low Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Muscular Fitness, and Flexibility Are Associated with Body Fat Distribution and Obesity Risk Using Bioelectrical Impedance in Taiwanese Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-11, July.
    2. José Francisco López-Gil & Javier Brazo-Sayavera & Juan Luis Yuste Lucas & Fernando Renato Cavichiolli, 2020. "Weight Status Is Related to Health-Related Physical Fitness and Physical Activity but Not to Sedentary Behaviour in Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-13, June.
    3. Yatao Xu & Maorong Mei & Hui Wang & Qingwei Yan & Gang He, 2020. "Association between Weight Status and Physical Fitness in Chinese Mainland Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-10, April.
    4. Karl Peltzer & Supa Pengpid & T. Alafia Samuels & Neslihan Keser Özcan & Carolina Mantilla & Onja H. Rahamefy & Mee Lian Wong & Alexander Gasparishvili, 2014. "Prevalence of Overweight/Obesity and Its Associated Factors among University Students from 22 Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-17, July.
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