Influence of Body Composition on Physical Literacy in Spanish Children

Simple Summary Childhood overweight and obesity constitute one of the primary public health problems that need to be addressed in advanced societies. The Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL) constitutes one of the most significant initiatives to prevent and combat the issue of childhood obesity in Canada. This assessment is one of the most closely aligned with the concept of a child's physical literacy and could be a broader alternative to the mere assessment of physical fitness as it assesses the multiple aspects that compose it. Despite its important implications, there is a lack of such studies in Spain. Due to this, the present study aims to establish the level of physical literacy in overweight and non-overweight children in Extremadura (Spain), analyse the differences between them and examine the association among body composition and physical literacy domains. The results showed that most of the non-overweight children in Extremadura (Spain) had higher levels of physical literacy than their overweight counterparts who present lower performance. Furthermore, physical literacy of overweight children was significantly lower compared to non-overweight children. Normal range of body composition values were associated with better total physical literacy and their domains, so a better physical literacy is associated with healthier body composition values. Background: Childhood obesity is a major health challenge in modern societies; therefore, prevention and management policies are needed. This study aims to establish the level of Physical Literacy (PL) in overweight and non-overweight children in Extremadura (Spain), analysing the potential differences between them and exploring their relationships with body composition. Methods: A single-measure cross-sectional study was performed with 135 children, who were taken anthropometric measurements and administered The Canadian Assessment of PL Development (CAPL-2) to assess their level of PL. The CAPL-2 covers four domains and participants to be classified into four levels: beginning, progressing, achieving, and excelling. Statistical analysis included descriptive and correlations. Results: Significant differences between overweight and non-overweight participants were found. Non-overweight participants had higher scores in all the domains included in PL, with the PL level of overweight children mainly being in the two lowest levels. Inverse correlations between body composition variables and PL in all domains (r from -0.223 to -0.507) were found, except for the knowledge domain. Conclusions: Most of the non-overweight children had higher levels of PL than their overweight counterparts. The PL of overweight children was significantly lower compared to non-overweight children. Healthier body composition values were associated with a better PL.

Automated summary

Childhood overweight and obesity are significant public health problems. The Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL) is an important initiative to address childhood obesity in Canada. This study in Extremadura, Spain aimed to determine the levels of physical literacy in overweight and non-overweight children, finding that non-overweight children generally had higher levels of physical literacy and healthier body composition was associated with better physical literacy.