The effect of sports participation in obese boys on some obesity indicators and physical fitness parameters

Background. To examine the effects of sports participation in obese boys on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, muscle strength, muscular endurance, balance and agility. Materials and methods. Sixty-three obese children with a mean age of 10.80 ± 0.58 were included in the study. Participants participated in sports, including judo, table tennis and basketball, for three months at their schools. Body weight, waist circumference and hip circumference of the participants were measured before and after participating in sports. Before and after participating in sports, grip strength, bent arm hanging, single-leg stance balance and plate tapping tests were applied to the participants. Results. While before participating in sports, BMI, waist and hip circumference outcomes of the participants were 23.04 ± 2.89 cm/m2, 81.61 ± 8.56 cm and 87.69 ± 6.52 cm, respectively; after participating in sports, BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference outcomes were 22.51 ± 2.88 cm/m2, 79.38 ± 8.74 cm and 85.73 ± 6.65 cm, respectively. The results of the single leg balance and bent arm-hanging tests after participation in sports increased compared to the results which before participating in sports (p < 0.05). However, the results of plate tapping test results that after participation in sports were less than the results which before participating in sports (p < 0.05). The result obtained from the grip strength after participation in sports was not different from the result obtained before participating in sports (p > 0.05). Conclusions. Participation in regular sports in obese children has positive effects on BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference, which are associated with chronic diseases. Additionally, the participation of obese children in regular sports contributes to the development of physical fitness parameters, which are indicators of health.