Changes in cardiometabolic markers in children with Prader-Willi syndrome and nonsyndromic obesity following participation in a home-based physical activity intervention.

Abstract

Physical activity is associated with improved cardiometabolic markers in children with nonsyndromic obesity (NSO). Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by obesity. To compare cardiometabolic changes in response to a home-based parent-facilitated physical activity intervention between children with PWS or with NSO. Participants included 18 children with PWS (age=10.5±0.7y; body fat=44.6±2.0%) and 30 children with NSO (age=9.7±0.2y; body fat=44.8±1.2%). Active Play @ Home was a 24-week physical activity intervention curriculum containing playground-based and active video games completed 4days per week. Pre- and post-intervention measurements included physical activity, body composition, blood samples analysed for glucose, insulin, lipids and cytokines, and insulin resistance computed using the homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). All children (n=48) showed a significant decrease in Interleukin-8 (3.64±0.24 vs. 3.06±0.22pg/mL). Children with obesity who did not gain or who lost body fat percentage (n=18) demonstrated a significant decrease in HOMA-IR (3.17±0.39 vs. 2.72±0.34) and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (44.30±2.51 vs. 47.29±2.59mg/dL). All other measurements showed no significant changes. The most favourable changes in cardiometabolic factors were observed in children with nonsyndromic obesity who demonstrated no gain or a decrease in body fat percentage.