Health markers in obese adolescents improved by a 12-week recreational soccer program: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

The effects of a recreational soccer program (RSP) upon body composition, heart rate variability (HRV), biochemical markers, cardio-respiratory fitness, and endothelial function in obese adolescents were investigated. A randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted with 30 adolescents aged 12–17 years and body mass index (BMI) >2 standard deviations of WHO reference values, which were assigned to RSP (n = 10, 2 girls) and obese control (n = 10, 4 girls) groups. The 12-week RSP included 60-min sessions performed 3 times/week. BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid profile, insulin, C-reactive protein, HRV, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were evaluated following standardised procedures. Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and endothelial function by venous occlusion plethysmography. After intervention, RSP exhibited significant reductions in BMI (−0.7 ± 0.2 kg · m–2), waist circumference (−8.2 ± 1.4 cm), %body fat (−2.2 ± 0.4%), systolic blood pressure (−5.0 ± 2.3 mmHg), total cholesterol (−16.2 ± 5.8 mg · dL−1), triglycerides (−20.5 ± 12.9 mg · dL−1), C-reactive protein (−0.06 ± 0.01 mg · dL−1), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, −1.4 ± 0.6), and sympathetic activity (LF, −13.9 ± 6.6 un) vs. controls (P < 0.05). Significant increase was observed in parasympathetic activity (HF, 13.9 ± 6.6 un), VO2peak (7.9 ± 2.8 ml · kg−1 · min−1), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (11.0 ± 6.3 mg · dL−1) (P < 0.05). Vascular conductance (19.5 ± 8.1 ml · min−1 · 100 ml, P = 0.005) increased and vascular resistance (−5.9 ± 2.4 ml · min−1 · 100 ml, P = 0.041) decreased in RSP, but not in controls. A 12-week recreational soccer intervention was effective to improve biochemical, cardiovascular, and fitness health markers in obese adolescents.