Macronutrient Intake and Nutritional Status in Relation to Fitness Levels of Pencak Silat Extracurricular Students

Abstract

Introduction: The physical fitness of Indonesian adolescents is a serious concern, especially given the growing obesity epidemic. VO₂ max is an important indicator of physical fitness because it measures the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during strenuous activity. Nutritional status and nutrient intake are two factors that influence VO2 max levels.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between macronutrient intake, nutritional status, and fitness levels in extracurricular pencak silat students at SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Kudus.

Methods: A correlation analysis with a cross-sectional approach was used for the research. Macronutrient intake was determined using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), while VO2 max values were determined using nutritional status and the Bleep test. The total population consisted of 44 students, and a total sample of 30 respondents was selected using a total sample.

Results: The results of the study showed no relationship between macronutrient intake (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and fitness levels (carbohydrates: p = 0.309; proteins: p = 0.4; fats: p = 0.77). However, a significant relationship was found between nutritional status and fitness levels (p = 0.001, r = 0.584).

Conclusion: The study also found that there was significant relationship between nutritional status and fitness levels among pencak silat extracurricular students at SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Kudus. Similarly, no significant relationship was found between macronutrient intake and fitness levels among pencak silat extracurricular students at SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Kudus