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Vol. 3 No. 2 (2023): Volume 3, Issue 2, Year 2023

Articles

Navigating Childhood Health: Unraveling the Tapestry of Anthropometric Indicators and Musculoskeletal Fitness in Elementary School Boys

  • Farjana Akter Boby,
  • Subrina Sultana Shara
Farjana Akter Boby
Department of Physical Education & Sports Science, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
Subrina Sultana Shara
Lecturer, Department Physical Education, Sports, and Health Science, Rajuk Uttara Model College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.34256/ijk2332

Published 30-12-2023

Keywords

  • Anthropometric indicator,
  • Physical Fitness,
  • Musculoskeletal fitness,
  • BMI

How to Cite

Akter Boby, F., & Shara, S. S. (2023). Navigating Childhood Health: Unraveling the Tapestry of Anthropometric Indicators and Musculoskeletal Fitness in Elementary School Boys. International Journal of Kinanthropometry, 3(2), 9–16. https://doi.org/10.34256/ijk2332

Copyright (c) 2023 Farjana Akter Boby, Subrina Sultana Shara

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Introduction: Childhood serves as the foundational bedrock shaping future health and well-being, with the musculoskeletal system playing a pivotal role in overall physical development. This study investigated the intricate relationship between anthropometric indicators and musculoskeletal fitness among boys aged 9-12 years, illuminating the nuances of this crucial developmental phase. Methods: A cohort of 100 boys from Wheaton International Schools underwent comprehensive anthropometric measurements, encompassing height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and skinfold assessments. Their musculoskeletal fitness was evaluated through diverse physical fitness tests, including Sit and Reach, Push-Up, Standing Long Jump, and Shuttle Run. Descriptive statistics were utilized to present the mean values and standard deviations of the collected anthropometric indicators, providing insights into the physical attributes and body composition of the boys. Subsequently, correlation analysis was performed between these anthropometric indicators and the physical fitness tests to understand their relationships. Results: Age showcased inverse relationships with flexibility and agility, while height emerged as a predominant influencer across all physical tests. BMI exhibited multifaceted impacts on various aspects of physical capabilities, shedding light on its potential implications for musculoskeletal health. The discussion extrapolates upon these correlations, elucidating age-related changes during adolescence, the profound influence of height on overall physical performance, and the intricate associations between body composition metrics and specific physical abilities. These insights foster a deeper understanding of childhood health and pave the way for targeted interventions in youth fitness programs. Conclusion: This study's revelations underscore the significance of anthropometric markers in assessing musculoskeletal fitness among elementary school boys, offering valuable insights into the interplay between physical attributes and functional capabilities. These findings lay the groundwork for informed strategies aimed at nurturing optimal musculoskeletal health in the formative years, thereby shaping healthier futures for the upcoming generation.

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