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 .
Enhanced bone mass and physical fitness in young female handball players.
This study evaluates the effect of physical activity on the bone content ( BMC ) and density ( BMD ) in 51 girls ( 14.2+/-0.4 yr ) . Twenty-four were placed in the h and ball group as they have been playing h and ball for at least 1 year ( 3.9+/-0.4 ) . The other 27 who did not perform in any kind of regular physical activity other than that programmed during the compulsory physical education courses comprised the control group .  Bone mass and areal density were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry ( DXA ) . The maximal leg extension isometric force in the squat position with knees bent at 90 degrees and the peak force , mean power , and height jumped during vertical squat jump were assessed with a force plate . Additionally , 30-m run ( running speed ) and 300-m run ( as an estimate of anaerobic capacity ) tests were also performed . Maximal aerobic capacity was estimated using the 20-m shuttle-run tests . Compared to the controls , h and ballers attained better results in the physical fitness tests and had a 6 % and 11 % higher total body and right upper extremity lean mass ( all P<0.05 ) . The h and ballers showed enhanced BMC and BMD in the lumbar spine , pelvic region , and lower extremity ( all P<0.05 ) . They also showed greater BMC in the whole body and enhanced BMD in the right upper extremity and femoral neck than the control subjects ( all P<0.05 ) . As expected , total lean mass strongly correlated with total and regional BMC and BMD ( r=0.79 - 0.91 P<0.001 ) . Interestingly , 300-m running speed correlated with BMC and BMD variables ( r=0.59 - 0.67 and r=0.60 - 0.70 , respectively ; all P<0.001 ) . Multiple regression analysis showed that the 30-m running speed test , combined with the height and body mass , has also predictive value for whole-body BMC and BMD ( R=0.93 and R=0.90 , P<0.001 ) . In conclusion , h and ball participation is associated with improved physical fitness , increased lean and bone masses , and enhanced axial and appendicular BMD in young girls . The combination of anthropometric and fitness-related variables may be used to detect girls with potentially reduced bone mass
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 .