Introduction:

Health-related physical fitness (HPF) is considered one of the factors that determine the concept of health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Objective:

To analyze the relationship between the level of HPF and the perception of HRQOL in Spanish adolescents.

Materials and methods:

Multicenter study conducted in 1 037 adolescents (15.52 ± 1.11 years) living in the southeastern region of Spain (Murcia Region). HPF and HRQOL were assessed using the COFISA battery and the SF-36 Health Questionnaire, respectively.

Results:

The MANOVA test showed that males had a better overall physical performance (p<0.001). Regarding HRQOL, women had a better perception in the general health domain (p=0.011), while men's perception was better in the emotional role (p=0.010) and mental health (p<0.001) domains. Adolescents with higher HPF levels showed higher values in the overall perception of HRQOL (p<0.001 in all variables).

Conclusions:

The association between high levels of HPF and higher scores in the perception of HRQOL raises the need to establish plans and strategies that seek to increase the participation of young people in physical and sporting activities.

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