P.G. Splinter

Biological age and habitual physical activity in relation to physical fitness in 12- and 13-year-old schoolboys.

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between biological age, habitual physical activity and anthropometrical and physiological characteristics in 12- and 13-year-old schoolboys (n=70). Methods: At the beginning and the end of the school year 1971/72 biological age was determined by measuring skeletal age from left hand X-ray photographs. Habitual physical activity was determined by questionnaire interview and pedometers. Results: All anthropometrical characteristics showed significant correlations (P<0.05) with skeletal age except for bicipital and tricipital skinfolds. Out of 9 physical fitness tests handgrip was the only test that showed a significant correlation (0.52) with skeletal age.Pedometer scores gave significant negative correlations (P<0.05) with anthropometrical characteristics except for tricipital skinfold. The fitness tests bent arm hang, 12 min run walk, sit and reach and W170 showed significant correlations (P<0.05) with pedometer scores.