Physical Fitness and the Level of Pain Intensity in Adolescents: A School-based Study.

: The main aim of the study was to explore the association between objectively measured physical fitness and the level of pain intensity. : In this cross-sectional study, we included 1036 adolescents (m ± SD = 16.3 ± 1.1 years; m ± SD = 1.74 ± 0.1 m; m ± SD = 64.7 ± 12.4 kg; m ± SD = 21.3 ± 3.0 kg/m) from 11 secondary schools located in the city of Zagreb (Croatia). Physical fitness was determined by using waist circumference, sit-ups in 1 min, standing long jump and sit-and-reach tests. Overall physical fitness index was calculated by summing the -score values of each physical fitness test. The level of pain intensity was assessed with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, a one-dimensional measure of pain intensity. Associations were calculated with correlation analyses. : In boys, pain intensity was associated with sit-ups in 1 min ( -0.16, < 0.001), standing long jump ( -0.14, 0.003) and overall physical fitness index ( -0.13, 0.004), while no significant associations with waist circumference ( 0.04, 0.438) and sit-and-reach test ( -0.01, 0.822) were observed. In girls, pain intensity was associated with standing long jump ( -0.17, < 0.001) and overall physical fitness index ( -0.10, 0.018), while no significant associations with waist circumference ( 0.01, 0.735), sit-ups in 1 min ( -0.06, 0.126) and sit-and-reach test ( -0.05, 0.232) were observed. When we adjusted for self-rated health, sleep duration, smoking status, alcohol consumption, screen-time and psychological distress, similar associations remained. : Our study shows a weak association between physical fitness and pain intensity in a large sample of adolescents. Although a cross-sectional design, health-professionals should use physical fitness as a screening tool to assess the level of pain intensity.