[Comparative study of the variables of physical fitness and health among young athletes and sedentary males].

Introduction: today, the practice of physical activity during adolescence brings important physical-health benefits that help develop a future well-being in later life.

Objectives: the objective of this comparative study was to evaluate the physical condition, body composition and cardiorespiratory capacity among young athletes and sedentary people of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura (Spain).

Methods: two hundred and twenty-five male subjects, aged between 12 and 18 years, were divided into two groups: 175 athletes, divided into aerobic group (AEG), anaerobic group (ANAEG) and mixed sports group (MG); and 50 sedentary (SG) or control group.