Hierarchical regression analysis of physical fitness and BMI in primary school students in Sichuan Province - Report - MDSpire

Hierarchical regression analysis of physical fitness and BMI in primary school students in Sichuan Province

  • By

  • Defa Zhang

  • Wennan Zhao

  • Jingtao Wu

  • Jun Hu

  • Xinjuan Zhao

  • July 3, 2026

  • 0 min

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Hierarchical Regression Assessment of Physical Fitness and Body Mass Index

Overview

This study investigates the associations between Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical fitness indicators among primary school students in Sichuan Province, highlighting significant differences by gender, ethnicity, and age. The findings show a negative correlation between BMI and 50-meter run performance (r = -0.266) and lung capacity (r = -0.186).

Background

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern. Understanding the relationship between BMI and physical fitness is essential for developing targeted interventions, especially in diverse populations like those in Sichuan Province, China. This study addresses a gap in research regarding the physical health of children in less developed regions.

Data Highlights

GroupAverage BMI
Han Students17.07
Yi Students16.90
Boys17.18
Girls16.85
12-Year-Olds18.08

Key Findings

  • Significant differences in BMI were observed across ethnicities, genders, and age groups.
  • Boys had a higher average BMI (17.18) compared to girls (16.85).
  • Han students had a higher average BMI (17.07) than Yi students (16.90).
  • BMI was negatively correlated with 50-meter run performance (r = -0.266) and lung capacity (r = -0.186).
  • The final regression model explained 11% of the variance in BMI.

Clinical Implications

The findings show that BMI is influenced by demographic factors and physical fitness indicators among primary school children.

Conclusion

The study highlights the relationships between BMI and physical fitness in primary school students in Sichuan Province.

Related Resources & Content

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  2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Links Between Growth Rates of Body Mass Index, Body Composition, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Preschoolers in China
  3. Pediatric Cardiology, 2022 -- Influence of Gender and Body Weight on Echocardiographic Measurements in Pediatric and Adolescent Populations
  4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Grip Strength Relative to Body Weight as a New Marker Linked to Cardiometabolic Risk in Pediatric Populations: Findings from the EMSNGS Study
  5. Obesity and overweight
  6. Child Activity: An Overview | Physical Activity Basics | CDC
  7. China introduces guidelines to tackle student obesity
  8. https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/fileCCDCW/journal/article/ccdcw/2025/1/PDF/CCDCW240461.pdf
  9. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-24295-y.pdf
  10. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-19041-3.pdf
  11. Optimal exercise dose on Body Mass Index (BMI) in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity: a systematic review and bayesian model-based network meta-analysis | BMC Public Health | Springer Nature Link
  12. The associations between speed performance and health outcomes in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect

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