Conclusions
Increases in BMI were associated with increases in fat-free mass, fat mass percentage, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and handgrip strength. BMI was capable of distinguishing those presenting a normal fat mass percentage and those presenting adequate handgrip strength.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 86 HIV-diagnosed children and adolescents aged 5-15, with participants from two research protocols (Study I, n = 65; Study II, n = 21). Physical fitness was assessed through body composition (anthropometric measurements and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption [VO2peak]), muscle strength/endurance (handgrip strength, standing broad jump, and abdominal and modified push-up endurance), and flexibility (sit-to reach test). The relationship between BMI and physical fitness components was analyzed through correlation and simple and multiple linear regression analysis.
Results
Eutrophic participants (mean age 11.44 ± 2.20) presented a normal fat mass percentage and overweight participants (mean age 11.50 ± 2.54) presented adequate handgrip strength. The adjusted models could explain 71% of fat-free mass, 57% of fat mass percentage, 70% of bone mineral content, 72% of bone mineral density, and 52% of handgrip strength. Conclusions: Increases in BMI were associated with increases in fat-free mass, fat mass percentage, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and handgrip strength. BMI was capable of distinguishing those presenting a normal fat mass percentage and those presenting adequate handgrip strength.