Cross‐sectional associations between physical fitness and biomarkers of inflammation in children : the PANIC study

Background Systemic low-grade inflammation has been proposed as an underlying pathophysiological mechanism for cardiometabolic diseases. We investigated the associations of physical fitness with systemic low-grade inflammatory state in a population sample of children. Methods Altogether 391 children aged 6–9 years were examined. Cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal power output, Wmax) was assessed by a maximal cycle ergometer test and neuromuscular fitness by hand grip strength, sit-up, standing long jump, 50-metre shuttle run, static balance, sit-and-reach, and box and block tests. Body fat percentage (BF%) and lean mass (LM) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. High sensitivit…