Effects of an exercise and education programme on children with obesity Hussey J, Roche E, Croasdell N, Heraty E, Brennan A, Gormley J, Bell C, Hoey H
Background Ireland, along with other European Countries, is experiencing increasing levels of childhood obesity. Obesity in childhood and adolescence is associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as low activity levels, low fitness levels, hypertension and hyperlipidemia
Previous work in children with obesity (n=45) Physical activity reduced with 69% reporting engaging in less than minimal recommendation Exercise tolerance below minimal normal values in 69% Seventy five percent of this group have at least 2 cardiovascular risk factors Treatment needs to focus on these in addition to weight loss
Aim of the study To evaluate the effect of an eight week exercise and education programme on cardiovascular risk factors. Children along with their parents attended the Physiotherapy Department weekly where the children had an hour of exercise ( circuit training and hydrotherapy) and the parents received education in the areas of healthy nutrition and physical activity.
Measures BMI and waist circumference Blood pressure Exercise tolerance was measured by the modified Balke treadmill protocol Physical activity measured by the modifiable activity questionnaire for adolescents. Estimates time spent in light and vigorous activity, time spent sedentary, energy expended in regular activity
Results Nine children entered the programme (5 girls and 4 boys) mean age ( SD) of 10 +/- 1.1 years BMI before /-3.2 after 28.8+/-3.6
Results- waist circumference
Results- physical activity levels
Results- exercise tolerance
Results – systolic blood pressure
Results Before programme After programme p value BMI29.2± ± 3.6NS Waist cm95.5 ± ± 9.1P<0.05 EE in regular activity MET hr/week 14.4 ± ± 31.1P<0.01 Est VO ± ± 6.9NS Systolic BP121.4 ± ± 0.2NS
Conclusion This eight week programme resulted in a significant increase in reported energy expenditure in regular activity as measured by METs and a significant decrease in waist circumference. These short term effects may be followed by longer lasting changes if activity levels are maintained