Evaluation of Physical Capacities of Obese Children: The use of a Test for Cardiovascular Fitness in their Follow up: P036

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Sedentarity plays a major role in the pathogenie of obesity in childhood. One of the strongest difficulties in the follow up of the obese child is his adhesion to physical activity programs.

OBJECTIVES: To establish and validate a test to assess the level of physical activity (PA) and its progression in obese children, and to analyse the efficacy of this test.

METHODS: 35 children were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months; and 27 of them at baseline, after 3 and 6 months. Evaluation included: body composition (skinfolds thickness, waist circumference, body mass index -BMI-), level of PA (by questionnaires and pedometer), cardiovascular fitness (assessed by the progression of heart rate during an effort test).

RESULTS: At 3 months the group of 35 children reduced sinificatively BMI (p<0,001), waist circumference (p=0,03) and skinfolds thicknes (p=0,01). Time spent in PA increased (p<0,001) and hours of television dimi nished (p=0,003). Cardiovascular capacity improved in 80% of children, being this improvement significative for the hole group (p<0,0001). After 3 months the group of 27 children showed similar results and they remained stable at 6 months of follow up.

CONCLUSIONS: The test for cardiovascular fitness is a simple, reproducible tool, that provides objective parameters of cardiovascular fitness and, thus of the daily level of physical activity performed by the obese child. The regular practice of PA, also in daily activities, and the decrease of sedentarity, allowed obese children to improve their body composition and cardiovascular capacities. Assessment and follow up of physical capacities of obese children represent useful ways to obtain good results in their therapy.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD