Comparison of Physical Fitness Parameters by Birth Weight Status in Children Participating in Regular Training
Öz
The purpose of this study was to compare physical fitness parameters across birth-weight groups in boys aged 7–12 years who regularly participated in sports training. The study sample consisted of 170 volunteer boys who regularly participated in training at sports schools in Çanakkale, Türkiye. Participants were classified into low (<10th percentile), normal (10th–90th percentile), and high (>90th percentile) birth-weight-for-gestational-age groups. Anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness levels were assessed using the EUROFIT test battery. For data analysis, one-way ANOVA was used to compare the groups, LSD post-hoc tests were applied to identify significant differences, and ANCOVA was performed to control for the effects of age and training age. After controlling for age and training age, no statistically significant differences were found among the Low, Normal, and High groups in any of the physical fitness parameters assessed (p > .05). The results indicate that balance, flexibility, upper-limb movement speed, muscular strength and endurance, agility, and sprint performance were similar across the birth-weight groups. In conclusion, birth-weight status was not significantly associated with physical fitness performance in regularly trained boys aged 7–12 years. These findings suggest that differences in birth-weight status may not be a prominent factor in explaining physical fitness among children with a regular training background.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Birth weight, Children, Physical fitness, Sports, Training
Etik Beyan
Kaynakça
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