The effect of a body shape index on physical fitness index is more pronounced in boys than in girls: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey based on Tibetan adolescents aged 13–18 years in high-altitude areas of China

14 Jul 20267 min read0 viewsJournal Feed

GIST (Key Takeaways)

by Tao Shi, Ke Guan, Chong Liu, Tao Zhang Background China is an important high-altitude region in the world, mainly inhabited by the Tibetan population. This study was conducted to understand the association between a body shape index (ABSI) and physical fitness index (PFI) among Tibetan adolescents in high-altitude areas of China.
This study provides a reference for the improvement of physical fitness and the formulation of public health policies among Tibetan adolescents in high-altitude areas of China. Methods Using a stratified whole-group sampling method, 3819 Tibetan adolescents were selected from the high-altitude region of Ganzi, Sichuan, China, and tested on 8 items, including height, weight, waist circumference, grip strength, standing long jump, seated forward bend, 50-meter run, and endurance run (1000m/800m).
ABSI and PFI were calculated, and Kruskal-Wallis H was used to compare PFI between groups. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the correlations that existed between ABSI and PFI.
Results The ABSI of Chinese Tibetan adolescents aged 13–18 years was (0.09 ± 0.01).

Clinical Editorial

PLOS ONE (Medicine) published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 14 Jul 2026.

The item focuses on The effect of a body shape index on physical fitness index is more pronounced in boys than in girls: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey based on Tibetan adolescents aged 13–18 years in high-altitude areas of China.

Review the original article for the full source wording and details.