EFFECT OF RACE ON AEROBIC IMPROVEMENT IN OBESE PEDIATRIC PATIENTS UNDERGOING A WEIGHT-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Abstract

Ninety-nine patients were tested using a modified Balke treadmill protocol before and after a 16 week weight management program consisting of dietary and exercise interventions. At least one weekly group exercise session was required, and in-home physical activity was encouraged through goal setting. Group I consisting of 32 African-Americans (age 12.2 ± 2.2 years) was compared to Group II consisting of 67 Caucasians (age 11.6 ± 3.0 years). The initial weight for Group I was not significantly different than Group II (97.2 ± 32.7 vs 85 ± 32.7 Kg). Group I initially exhibited a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (38.8 ± 4.5 vs 34.7 ± 9.0; p < 0.05), a lower exercise duration (10.7 ± 3.4 vs 13.6 ± 4.1 minutes; p < 0.001) and a lower VO2max indexed for weight (22.9 ± 3.8 vs 27.4 ± 5 cc/Kg/min; p < 0.001) than Group II. Absolute VO2max and HRmax were not significantly different (2164 ± 612 vs 2233 ± 687 cc/minute and 187 ± 13 vs 192 ± 10 BPM) between the two groups. Both groups significantly improved their VO2max indexed for weight (22.9 ± 3.8 vs 26.3 ± 4.7 and 27.4 ± 5 vs 32.1 ± 6.2 cc/Kg/min; p < 0.001), absolute VO2max (2164 ± 612 vs 2455 ± 687 and 2233 ± 687 vs 2515 ± 798 cc/minute; p < 0.001) and exercise duration (10.7 ± 3.4 vs 12.7 ± 3.3 and 13.6 ± 4.1 vs 16.5 ± 4.6 minutes; p < 0.001) following the program. Group I had no significant change in weight or BMI, but Group II showed a significant decrease in weight (85 ± 35 vs 82 ± 34 Kg; p < 0.001) and BMI (34.7 ± 9 vs 32.8 ± 9.2; p < 0.001). The magnitude of change for VO2max indexed for weight (15% vs 18%), absolute VO2max (14% vs 13%), and exercise duration (22% vs 24%) were not significantly different between Group I and Group II. These data suggest that although Group II exhibited a greater aerobic capacity, both groups were able to improve their aerobic capacity to a similar degree. The improvement in Group I occurred without a significant change in weight or BMI.