Sensitivity and specificity of different measures of adiposity to distinguish between low/high motor coordination

Objective: This study aimed to determine the ability of different measures of adiposity to discriminate between low/high motor coordination and to evaluate the relationship between different measures of adiposity and motor coordination. Methods: This study included 596 elementary school children aged 9 to 12 years (218 females – 47.1%). Weight, height, and waist circumference were objectively measured by standardized protocols. Body fat percentage was estimated by bioelectric impedance. Body mass index and waist‐to‐height ratio were computed. Motor coordination was assessed by the Körperkoordination Test für Kinder. Cardiorespiratory fitness was predicted by a maximal multistage 20 m shuttle‐run test of the Fitnessgram Test Battery. A questionnaire was used to assess the maternal educational level. Results: The receiver operating characteristic performance of body fat percentage in females and waist circumference in males presented a slightly better discriminatory accuracy than body mass index, waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio in predicting low motor coordination. After adjustments, logistic regression analyses showed that body mass index (β = 2.155; 95% CI: 1.164‐3.992; p = 0.015 for girls; β = 3.255; 95% CI: 1.740‐6.088; p < 0.001 for males), waist circumference (β = 2.489; 95% CI: 1.242‐4.988; p = 0.010 for girls; β = 3.296; 95% CI: 1.784‐6.090; p < 0.001 for males), body fat percentage (β = 2.395; 95% CI: 1.234‐4.646; p = 0.010 for girls; β = 2.603; 95% CI: 1.462‐4.634; p < 0.001 for males) and waist‐to‐height ratio (β = 3.840; 95% CI: 2.025‐7.283; p < 0.001 for males) were positively and significantly associated with motor coordination in both sexes, with the exception of waist‐to‐height ratio in girls (β = 1.343; 95% CI: 0.713‐2.528; p = 0.381). Conclusion: Body fat percentage and waist circumference showed a slightly better discriminatory accuracy in predicting low motor coordination for females and for males, respectively