Association Between Body Fat Percentage and Physical Fitness in Chilean Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between body fat percentage and physical fitness components assessed through the Brockport Physical Fitness Test (BPFT) in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID), considering sex differences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 46 students aged 10 to 17 years diagnosed with ID. Physical fitness was assessed using the BPFT and body composition via InBody 270 bioimpedance. Spearman correlations were applied, including sex-stratified analyses. Results: Negative correlations were found between body fat percentage and several strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness tests. Among boys, adiposity was significantly associated with performance in the PACER (ρ = −0.467, p = 0.011), isometric curl-up (ρ = −0.445, p = 0.016), handgrip strength (ρ = −0.371, p = 0.047), and flexed arm hang (ρ= −0.471, p = 0.010). In girls, a significant association was observed for the isometric curl-up (ρ = −0.544, p = 0.040). Conclusions: Higher body fat percentage is linked to lower performance in strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness, with sex-specific patterns. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating body composition assessments into fitness evaluations and the design of adapted physical activity programs in inclusive school settings.