Peer-reviewed article

Analysis of the influence of physical activity on muscle mass in Montenegrin boys and girls during early adolescence: a national analysis with a regional review.

Marija Terzic, Marina Vukotic · 7 Oct 2026

Abstract

BACKGROUND: physical activity is one of the key factors in the development and maintenance of optimal health during childhood and adolescence. OBJECTIVE: the aim of this research is to examine the influence of physical activity on the percentage of muscle mass in body composition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: the sample of respondents consisted of 2000 children of early adolescent age, of which 1028 were boys (11.75 ± 0.33 years) and 972 were girls (11.72 ± 0.31 years), which is about 26 % of the total population of that age in Montenegro. The variables used for this research are: percentage of muscle mass (AMM) and level of physical activity (PAQ-C). In order to identify differences between subsamples in relation to gender and region, one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. For variables where significant differences were found (p < 0.05), the LSD (Least Significant Difference) post hoc test was performed for additional analysis of pairs of groups. A t-test was also used to identify statistically significant differences between the two groups of respondents. RESULTS: the research results show that there are statistically significant differences in the values of AMM and PAQ-C among children from different regions of Montenegro and between the sexes. The analysis shows a connection between physical activity and muscle mass -- children who are more active have a higher percentage of muscle.