The aim of the study was to examine the tracking of body composition and physical fitness in boys and girls for 6 years. Thirty-seven boys and girls participated throughout the study. All measurements were performed annually. Body height, body weight, circumferences and skinfold thicknesses were measured and skeletal maturity was assessed. Body composition and bone mineral density were measured by DXA. Nine physical fitness tests were administered. Results of the study showed that there are significant interaction effects of time and group for body height(p<.01), waist circumference(p<.001), and skinfolds at triceps(p<.01), suprailiac(p<.01), thigh(p<.001) and medial calf(p<.01). All anthorpometric variables except skinfold thickness increased during the study period. Significant interaction effects of time and group were found for percent body fat(p<.05) and bone mineral density(p<.01). Percent body fat and fat tissue increased in boys from 7 to 11 years, then decreased in 12 years. Lean tissue(p<.001), bone mineral content(p<.001) and bone mineral density(p<.001) increased both in boys and girls throughout the study. There were significant interaction effect of time and group on sit and reach, standing long jump and sit-ups. In conclusion, percent body fat and fat tissue increased until 11 years, lean tissue and bone mineral density increased throughout the study both in boys and girls.
