Resumen de Allometric Associations Between Body Size, Shape, and Physical Performance of Greek Children

Alan M. Nevill, Georgia D. Tsiotra, Panagiotis Tsimeas

• We adopted allometric models to identify the most appropriate body size/shape characteristics associated with physical performance activities of Greek school children. Children underwent assessments for aerobic and anaerobic fitness, flexibility and hand-grip strength. Results suggest that the inverse Ponderal index and not BMI is the most appropriate body-shape indicator associated with running and jumping activities. Height was negatively associated with flexibility, but both height and weight were positively associated with hand-grip strength. In conclusion, allometric models provide a valuable insight into the most appropriate body size and shape characteristics associated with children�s physical performances and at the same time ensure valid inference when investigating group/population differences (e.g., between gender and maturation status).