Results Strong evidence was found for an inverse association between MF and total and central adiposity , and CVD and metabolic risk factors .
Strong evidence was also found for a positive association between MF and bone health and self-esteem .
Conclusion The findings of this review highlight the importance of developing MF in youth for a number of health-related benefits
Background Physical fitness during childhood and adolescence has been identified as an important determinant of current and future health status .
While research has traditionally focused on the association between cardio-respiratory fitness and health outcomes , the association between muscular fitness ( MF ) and health status has recently received increased attention .
Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta- analysis was to evaluate the potential physiological and psychological benefits associated with MF among children and adolescents .
Relationship of physical fitness to prevalence and incidence of overweight among schoolchildren.
OBJECTIVES We examined the relationship between comprehensive fitness tests and overweight using a school surveillance system in a racially diverse city in the United States . RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES Trained physical education teachers  measured weight , height , and fitness annually from 2001 to 2003 . We compiled data for a cross-sectional analysis ( 11,845 measurements on 6297 students , 5 to 14 years of age ) and a 1-year prospect i ve analysis ( 4215 measurements on 2927 students not overweight at baseline , 5 to 13 years of age ) . Overweight was defined as a BMI > or = 95th percentile ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2000 growth charts ) , and underfit was defined as failing at least one of five fitness tests : endurance run , abdominal strength , flexibility , upper body strength , and agility ( Amateur Athletic Union and Fitnessgram ) . Associations between fitness and overweight were examined using multivariate logistic regression models , adjusting for sociodemographic status and repeated measurements over time . RESULTS The mean number of fitness tests passed was lower among students with a BMI above the 80th percentile . Overweight incidence over 1 year was 7 % and 2 % for underfit and fit girls , respectively ( odds ratio , 3.3 ; 95 % confidence interval , 2.0 to 5.6 ) . Not passing either the endurance run or upper body strength test was associated with overweight incidence in both boys and girls . After adjusting for baseline BMI , the endurance run remained a significant predictor of incident overweight among girls ( odds ratio , 2.0 ; 95 % confidence interval , 1.1 to 3.5 ) . DISCUSSION Findings support a cross-sectional inverse relationship between physical fitness and  overweight among school-aged children . The direction of causation between fitness and overweight is not clearly established and merits further study
Results Strong evidence was found for an inverse association between MF and total and central adiposity , and CVD and metabolic risk factors .
Strong evidence was also found for a positive association between MF and bone health and self-esteem .
Conclusion The findings of this review highlight the importance of developing MF in youth for a number of health-related benefits
Background Physical fitness during childhood and adolescence has been identified as an important determinant of current and future health status .
While research has traditionally focused on the association between cardio-respiratory fitness and health outcomes , the association between muscular fitness ( MF ) and health status has recently received increased attention .
Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta- analysis was to evaluate the potential physiological and psychological benefits associated with MF among children and adolescents .