Muscular Strength of Upper and Lower Limbs and Self-Esteem in Chilean SchoolChildren: Independent Associations with Body Composition Indicators
Journal
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
ISSN
1660-4601
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Cristian Cofre Bolados
Gerson Ferrari
Mónica Suárez-Reyes
Helen Diaz-Peña
Tito Pizarro
Type
Resource Types::text::journal::journal article
URL Institutional Repository
Abstract
<jats:p>The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between muscular strength from upper and lower limbs with self-esteem among Chilean schoolchildren, drawing independent associations with body composition indicators. The sample consisted of 1078 schoolchildren. The muscular strength of the upper and lower limbs was evaluated using a digital dynamometer and long jump performance. The general strength index was calculated based on Z-score values. Rosenberg’s test was used to determine the level of self-esteem of participants. Body fat and body mass index were employed as body composition indicators. Boys had significantly more upper and lower strength, and a general strength index higher than girls (11.7 vs. 10.6; 109.7 vs. 97.4; 0.19 vs. −0.24, respectively). For boys and girls combined, there were no significant associations between all muscular strength variables and self-esteem. In boys, upper and lower limb strength was positively associated with self-esteem. In girls, no association between muscular strength and self-esteem was found. In both sexes, the general strength index was not associated with self-esteem. Strategies and programs that promote mental health and muscular strength among schoolchildren, specifically in boys, are needed.</jats:p>
Subjects
muscular strength
;
self-esteem
;
body mass index
;
body fat
;
body composition
;
body mass index
;
child
;
chile
;
cross-sectional studies
;
female
;
humans
;
lower extremity
;
male
;
muscle strength
;
self concept
;
chile
;
biochemistry
;
body mass
;
child health
;
fat
;
limb
;
mental health
;
muscle
;
age
;
article
;
body composition
;
body fat
;
body mass
;
child
;
chilean
;
clinical evaluation
;
controlled study
;
cross-sectional study
;
disease association
;
female
;
gender
;
human
;
lower limb
;
male
;
muscle strength
;
school child
;
self esteem
;
upper limb
;
body composition
;
chile
;
lower limb
;
self concept