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 .
Positive, site-specific associations between bone mineral status, fitness, and time spent at high-impact activities in 16- to 18-year-old boys.
The incidence of hip and forearm fracture in elderly men in the United Kingdom is a public health issue , but there is limited knowledge on lifestyle factors affecting male bone health . The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationships between whole body and regional bone mineral status and self-reported participation time in no- , low- , moderate- , and high-impact activities and fitness measurements in 16- to 18-year-old boys . One hundred twenty-eight boys underwent absorptiometry ( DXA ) measurements ( Hologic QDR 1000W ) of  bone mineral content ( BMC ) , bone area ( BA ) , and bone mineral density ( BMD ) at the whole body , hip , spine , and forearm . They also completed the EPIC ( European Prospect i ve Investigation of Cancer ) physical activity question naire , which allowed categorization of activities according to impact and aerobic intensity . Fitness and strength were assessed in each subject using estimated VO2 max , grip strength , and back strength . Significant positive relationships were found between BMC , BA , and BMD and the fitness and strength measurements and participation time in high-impact sports at most skeletal sites . The relationships were further examined after adjustment of BMC for height , weight , and bone area , thereby minimizing the influence of body and bone size on these relationships . VO2 max was a significant positive determinant of size-adjusted BMC at the whole body , the ultradistal and one-third radius , and all the hip sites , except the trochanter . Size-adjusted BMC at the forearm sites and trochanter was significantly positively associated with grip strength . Size-adjusted BMC at the whole body and all the hip sites was significantly positively associated with time spent at high-impact activities . Differences in size-adjusted BMC across thirds of time spent at high-impact activities were also examined . Boys in the highest third of high-impact activity had significantly greater size-adjusted whole body BMC and total hip BMC compared to subjects in the lowest third [ + 3.4 (1.2)% for whole body and + 8.5 (2.2)% for hip , both P = 0.001 ] . Boys in the highest third of high-impact activity spent most activity time jogging , playing tennis , football and rugby , basketball , and exercising with weights . Back strength and lean mass were significantly greater in subjects in the highest third compared to those in the middle ( P = 0.02 ) and lowest third ( P = 0.03 ) . No significant differences were found between subjects in each third of high-impact activity for potential confounders including TV viewing , calcium intake , body fat , and height . These findings indicate that participation of male adolescents in a range of high-impact activities for 1 h or more a day is associated with greater bone size and mineral content , especially at the hip
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 .