Permanent deficits in handgrip strength and running speed performance in low birth weight children.

Objective: The main goal of this study was to verify the influence of low birth weight (LBW) on the physical fitness of children aged 7-10 years. The comparisons were subsequently adjusted for chronological age, gender, physical activity (PA), and body composition.

Methods: A total of 356 children of both genders born in Vitoria de Santo Antão (Northeast of Brazil) were divided into two groups according to their birth weight (LBW < 2.