Effect of plyometric exercise on physical fitness in untrained obese school going adolescents

Childhood obesity has become a pressing public health issue worldwide, and India is no exception. Once considered a problem of affluent nations, obesity among Indian children has escalated dramatically in recent decades, presenting significant challenges to individual health, healthcare systems, and societal well-being. Beyond its immediate consequences on physical health and well-being, childhood obesity predisposes individuals to a myriad of long-term health complications, including metabolic disorders like diabetes and pre diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory dysfunction, and musculoskeletal impairments.

Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) are critical indicators in assessing obesity and related health risks in children. BMI categorizes weight relative to height, identifying individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. In children, a BMI between the 5th and 85th percentiles is generally associated with a healthy weight range, while those classified as overweight (at or above the 85th percentile) or obese (at or above the 95th percentile) face greater health risks related to excess body fat. In particular, obese children are more likely to experience metabolic imbalances and chronic inflammation, which are common complications of obesity. Regular monitoring of BMI is essential to detect these risks early and initiate interventions, such as promoting healthier dietary habits and increased physical activity, to support weight management in this vulnerable population.

The Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is also an important measure for assessing obesity-related risks, as it reflects central fat distribution, which is more strongly associated with metabolic health than overall body fat. WHR is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference, providing insight into fat distribution within the body. A high WHR indicates an accumulation of visceral fat, a key factor in obesity-related metabolic disruptions. Monitoring WHR in children enables the early identification of obesity-related health risks and can guide lifestyle interventions that promote healthier eating habits and increased physical activity to mitigate the long-term effects of obesity.

Plyometric exercises, which involve rapid and repeated stretching and contracting of muscles, are recognized for their potential to enhance strength, coordination, and muscle power. Incorporating plyometric exercises may offer a novel approach to improving physical fitness and reducing obesity-related risks in adolescents. However, while aerobic and resistance exercises have been widely studied for their effects on BMI and WHR, limited research exists on how plyometric exercises specifically benefit obese adolescents. The majority of studies on plyometric training focus on athletes or individuals with a normal weight, leaving a gap in understanding its impact on those who are obese.