Repeated sprint test performance indices and aerobic fitness in normal and overweight pre-pubertal children

Abstract

We determined relationships between aerobic fitness and performance indices (fastest sprint time – FS, total sprint time – TS, and performance decrement – PD) of repeated sprint tests (RST) in normal and overweight children (BMI%: 59.8±12.9 versus 96.4±1.9%, respectively). Aerobic fitness, FS, and TS were significantly higher in normal weight children. Significant negative correlations were found between aerobic fitness and TS (r=–0.802), FS (r=–0.762) and PD (r=–0.670) in normal weight children. Significant negative correlations between aerobic fitness and TS (r=–0.767) and FS (r=–0.738), but not with PD were found in overweight children. While aerobic and anaerobic capabilities were significantly higher in normal weight children, strong relationships were found between aerobic fitness and RST indices in both normal and overweight children.