Energy Expenditure In Children Research Articles

A retrospective study of resting energy expenditure in children hospitalized with different nutritional status.

Resting energy expenditure (REE) refers to the energy consumption of the body in a resting state without skeletal muscle activity. This study aimed to examine the REE among children hospitalized with varying nutritional status. This was a retrospective study. We enrolled 109 pediatric cases that underwent indirect calorimetry (IC) and divided into four groups: mild malnutrition group (15 cases), moderate malnutrition group (30 cases), severe malnutrition group (32 cases), and obesity group (32 cases). We compared and analyzed the measured REE (mREE) using IC with the predicted REE (pREE) using five energy equations. The paired t-test was used to compare the results of two samples. Pearson analysis was used to assess the correlation between two values. The agreement analysis was performed using the Bland-Altman method. There was no significant difference in mREE between the mild, moderate, and severe malnutrition groups, but each differed significantly from the obesity group. All populations exhibited significant correlation between the mREEs and all five energy equations, and the equation with the highest predictive accuracy was the Schofield equation, which achieved an accuracy of 47.7%. In subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference between mREE and pREE for each of the five equations in the mild, moderate malnutrition groups. Only the prediction result of the Liu equation was not significantly different from the mREE in the severe malnutrition group. The prediction accuracy of the Liu equation was relatively the highest (34.4%). However, in the obese group, there were significant differences in pREE and mREE between the Liu equation and Mifflin equation. Under different nutritional statuses, the results of the Bland-Altman analysis suggested that deviation values between REEs predicted by each equation and mREE were greater than ±10%. There were differences in REE among children with different nutritional status. The results obtained from the five predictive energy equations deviated from the IC results. When REE cannot be measured by IC, it is essential to choose an appropriate predictive energy equation based on the nutritional status of the individual.

Clarifying main nutritional aspects and resting energy expenditure in children with Smith-Magenis syndrome

Our study aims to define resting energy expenditure (REE) and describe the main nutritional patterns in a single-center cohort of children with Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS). REE was calculated using indirect calorimetry. Patients’ metabolic status was assessed by comparing measured REE (mREE) with predictive REE (pREE). Patients also underwent multidisciplinary evaluation, anthropometric measurements and an assessment of average energy intake, using a 3-day food diary, which was reviewed by a specialized dietitian. Twenty-four patients (13 M) were included, the median age was 9 years (IC 95%, 6–14 years), 84% had 17p11.2 deletion, and 16% had RAI1 variants. REE was not reduced in SMS pediatric patients, and the mREE did not differ from the pREE. In patients with RAI1 variants (16%, n = 3/24), obesity was more prevalent than those with 17p11.2 deletion (100% vs 38%). Lower proteins intake and higher total energy intake were reported in obese and overweight patients, compared to healthy weight children. No significant difference was found between males and females in energy or macronutrient intake. Conclusions: In SMS, the onset of obesity is not explained by REE abnormalities, but dietary factors seem to be crucial. Greater concern should be addressed to patients with RAI1 variants. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms causing obesity in SMS patients could set the basis for possible future targeted therapies.What is Known:• More than 90% of SMS patients after the age of 10 are overweight or obese.What is New:• Onset of overweight and obesity in SMS pediatric patients is not explained by abnormal resting energy expenditure.• The development of syndrome-specific dietary guidelines for SMS patients should be of utmost relevance and are highly needed.

Locomotion Efficiency in Children With Cerebral Palsy Experiencing Limited Gross Motor Function: Walking Versus Cycling.

This study compares cycling and walking efficiency, and energy expenditure in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). In children with CP, locomotion with body weight support aids such as a tricycle is a potential alternative for less exhausting movements. Nine children with CP traveled at comfortable speed for 6 minutes by cycling and walking. The energy expenditure index (EEI) and the percentage of the reserve heart rate (%HRR) were calculated. The EEI was lower while cycling than walking, the traveled distance was higher while cycling than walking, and %HRR remained similar between cycling and walking. Cycling appears an efficient alternative to walking for children with CP for adapted school environments and in the community.

Nutrition in critically ill children with acute kidney injury on continuous kidney replacement therapy: a 2023 executive summary

ObjectivesNutrition plays a vital role in the outcome of critical illness in children, particularly those with acute kidney injury. Currently, there are no established guidelines for children with acute kidney injury treated with continuous kidney replacement therapy. Our objective was to create clinical practice points for nutritional assessment and management in critically ill children with acute kidney injury receiving continuous kidney replacement therapy. MethodsAn electronic search using PubMed and an inclusive academic library search (including MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases) was conducted to find relevant English-language articles on nutrition therapy for children (<18 y of age) receiving continuous kidney replacement therapy. ResultsThe existing literature was reviewed by our work group, comprising pediatric nephrologists and experts in nutrition. The modified Delphi method was then used to develop a total of 45 clinical practice points. The best methods for nutritional assessment are discussed. Indirect calorimetry is the most reliable method of predicting resting energy expenditure in children on continuous kidney replacement therapy. Schofield equations can be used when indirect calorimetry is not available. The non-intentional calories contributed by continuous kidney replacement therapy should also be accounted for during caloric dosing. Protein supplementation should be increased to account for the proteins, peptides, and amino acids lost with continuous kidney replacement therapy. ConclusionsClinical practice points are provided on nutrition assessment, determining energy needs, and nutrient intake in children with acute kidney injury and on continuous kidney replacement therapy based on the existing literature and expert opinions of a multidisciplinary panel.

Risk factors analysis of protein energy wasting in children with chronic kidney disease

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and risk factors of protein energy wasting (PEW) in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: Clinical data of 231 children with chronic kidney disease hospitalized in Beijing Children's Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2018 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed to explore the incidence of PEW. According to the diagnostic criteria of CKDPEW, they were divided into a CKDPEW group and a non PEW group. The comparison between the groups was performed by independent-sample t test and Chi-squared test, and the risk factors were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression. Results: Among the 231 children, there were 138 males and 93 females, with a visiting age of 9.9 (7.9, 16.0) years; 6 cases were in stage 1, 14 cases in stage 2, 51 cases in stage 3, 36 cases in stage 4, and 124 cases in stage 5. A total of 30 children (13.0%) with CKD PEW were diagnosed at the age of 7. 1 (3.8, 13.2) years, including 1 case in stage 1, 1 case in stage 2, 5 cases in stage 3, 5 cases in stage 4, and 18 cases in stage 5. There were a total of 201 cases (87.0%) in the non PEW group, diagnosed at the age of 11.8 (8.5, 12.2) years, including 5 cases in stage 1, 13 cases in stage 2, 46 cases in stage 3, 31 cases in stage 4, and 106 cases in stage 5. The Chi-squared test and t test showed that the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, birth weight and carbon dioxide binding capacity of the CKD PEW group were lower than those of the non PEW group ((109±22) vs. (120±20) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), (72±19) vs. (79±16) mmHg, (2.9±0.5) vs. (3.2±0.6) kg, (17±4) vs. (19±4) mmol/L,t=2.85, 2.14, 0.67, 2.63, all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that carbon dioxide binding capacity and birth weight were independent protective factors of CKDPEW in children (OR=0.81 and 0.36, 95%CI=0.73-0.90 and 0.17-0.77, respectively; both P<0.01); the risk of PEW in CKD children decreased by 0.187 times for every 1 mmol/L increment in carbon dioxide binding capacity, and 0.638 times for every 1 kg increment in birth weight. Conclusions: The incidence of protein energy expenditure in children with chronic kidney disease is lower than that in the previous researches. PEW can appear in CKD 1-2 stage, and attention should be paid to it in the early stage of CKD in clinical practice. Low birth weight CKD children are susceptible to PEW, and actively correcting metabolic acidosis can reduce the risk of CKDPEW.

Resting energy expenditure in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: accuracy of available prediction formulas and development of population-specific methods.

Energy requirements are difficult to estimate in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Resting energy expenditure (REE), necessary to implement personalized nutritional interventions, is most commonly estimated using prediction formulae since indirect calorimetry, the reference method, is not available in all nutrition units. The aims of the present study were: (1) to evaluate the accuracy of the most commonly used REE prediction formulae developed for healthy children, in children with CP; (2) to assess the accuracy of the REE population-specific formula for CP children proposed in our preliminary report; (3) to develop new population-specific methods. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry in 100 children and adolescents with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (SQCP) and estimated on the basis of predictive formulas selected by the clinicians [World Health Organization (WHO), Harris-Benedict, Schofield weight, Schofield weight & height, Oxford, Mifflin formulae and a population-specific formula for CP children developed in our preliminary report]. 100 children with SQCP (35 girls, 35%) classified as level V according to gross motor function classification system (GMFCS-V); 64% with oral nutrition, 29% total enteral nutrition (nasogastric tube feeding, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, percutaneous endoscopic transgastric jejunostomy) and 7% mixed nutrition. The median (IQR) REE was 41.96 (17.5) kcal/kg/day.Statistical analysis highlighted a proportional bias between the indirect calorimetry and all considered predictive formulae for REE determination. By studying the relationship between the bias and the mean values of REE, specific conversion equations were obtained. With a pre-specified model having as predictors the variable weight and the variable Triceps Skinfold (TSF) and, as response the variable REE measured by indirect calorimetry, a predictive nomogram was developed to estimate the REE in this population of children. We suggest using predictive formulae for healthy children with caution, and where possible carrying out indirect calorimetry to assess REE in children with CP. However, we propose a new tool which could be developed to become an additional help for assessment of REE in the clinical practice.Future objectives will be to obtain a larger sample size, in a multicenter perspective study, to build a specific predictive model for the REE of the studied population.

Measured vs estimated resting energy expenditure in children and adolescents with obesity

Pediatric obesity requires early targeted interventions consisting mainly of a low-calorie diet prescribed based on resting energy expenditure (REE), often estimated through predictive equations. The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of "hypo-", "normo-" and "hypermetabolic" in a large cohort of children and adolescents with obesity by comparing measured and estimated REE and to evaluate the characteristics related to these metabolic statuses in both males and females. The study population was divided into the three subgroups by comparing REE measured using indirect calorimetry and estimated using the Molnar equation, and subsequently analyzed. The majority of the participants (60.6%) were normometabolic, 25.5% hypermetabolic and 13.9% hypometabolic. No significant differences in age, Tanner stage, systolic blood pressure, or the presence of metabolic syndrome were found. However, the hypermetabolic subgroup was significantly lighter, shorter, with lower hip and waist circumferences, had a greater amount of fat-free mass and lower fat mass, significantly lower diastolic blood pressure, and a significantly higher frequency of non-alcoholic liver steatosis. Pediatric obesity is more associated with normal or increased REE than with a hypometabolic condition, suggesting that estimation of energy expenditure with predictive equations is still inadequate for prescribing the appropriate diet plan.

Validation of predictive equations for resting energy expenditure in children and adolescents with different body mass indexes

BackgroundAccurate estimation of resting energy expenditure (REE) in children and adolescents is important to establish estimated energy requirements. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of existing equations in literature and a newly developed equation in estimating REE in children and adolescents.Methods275 participants (148 boys, 127 girls) aged 6–18 years included in the study were classified as normal-weighted, overweight, obese based on BMI z-scores for age according to WHO-2007 growth curves for 5–19 years of age. REEs were measured using an indirect calorimeter, with various equations, and a newly established equation [REE = 505.412+(24.383*FFM);Adjusted R2 = 0.649] were compared with REE measured using Bland-Altman and further validation parameters.ResultsWhen the predicted REEs were compared with the measured REEs, the highest prediction accuracy was achieved using the new Eq. (64.8%) and IOM (63.8%) for normal-weight participants, Müller FFM and new Eq. (59.6%) for overweight participants and Lazzer (44.9%) for obese participants. In normal and overweight participants, lowest root mean squared error (RMSE) values were acquired from Schmelzle’s equation (respectively 136.2;159.9 kcal/d), and the highest values were found in Kim’s Eq. (315.2; 295.2 kcal/d respectively). RMSE value of the new equation was 174.7 kcal/d for normal-weight children and adolescents, and 201.9 kcal/d for overweight ones. In obese participants, the lowest RMSE value was obtained from Schmelzle’s Eq. (305.4 kcal/d) and the new Eq. (317.4 kcal/d), while the highest value was obtained from IOM Eq. (439.9 kcal/d). RMSE was higher in obese groups compared to the other BMI groups.ConclusionIndirect-calorimeter is the most suitable method for REE measurement in especially obese children and adolescents. The new equation and Schmelzle’s equation appear to be most accurate equations for normal and overweight children and adolescents.

Accuracy of equations for estimating resting energy expenditure in children and adolescents living with phenylketonuria.

Measuring resting energy expenditure (REE) in individuals living with phenylketonuria (PKU) using indirect calorimetry (IC) is unusual in healthcare facilities because it requires specific protocols and expensive equipment. Considering that determining REE is crucial for devising nutritional strategies for the management of PKU, the aim of this study was to identify the predictive equations that provide the best estimates of REE in children and adolescents living with PKU and to propose a predictive equation for determining REE in this population. An REE concordance study was conducted with children and adolescents living with PKU. Anthropometric and body composition assessments using bioimpedance and REE assessment using IC were performed. The results were compared to 29 predictive equations. Fifty-four children and adolescents were evaluated. The REE obtained using IC differed from all estimated REE, except Henry's equation for male children (p = 0.058). Only this equation showed good agreement (0.900) with IC. Eight variables were associated with the REE obtained using IC with emphasis on fat-free mass (kg) (r = 0.786), weight (r = 0.775), height (r = 0.759) and blood phenylalanine (r = 0.503). With these variables, three REE equations were suggested, with R2 = 0.660, 0.635 and 0.618, respectively, and the third equation, which involves weight and height, showed adequate sample size for a statistical power of 0.942. Most equations, not specific for individuals living with PKU, overestimate the REE of this population. We propose a predictive equation for assessing REE for children and adolescents living with PKU to be used in settings where IC is not available.

Decreased walking efficiency in elementary school children with developmental coordination disorder trait

Objective To compare walking efficiency, and associated physical function, between children, with and without developmental coordination disorder trait. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting The study was conducted in a Medical and Rehabilitation Center for Developmental Disabilities in Okazaki, Japan. Subjects The study included 286 children, 6–12 years of age, with and without developmental coordination disorder trait. Developmental coordination disorder trait was defined by a score below the −1 standard deviation on the Japanese version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire. Based on this criterion, 45 children (28 boys) were classified into the developmental coordination disorder trait group and the other 241 (115 boys) in the control group. Measures The following physical function outcomes were measured: single leg stance test; step length variability; and walking efficiency, measured using the 2-min walk test. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between developmental coordination disorder trait and lower walking efficiency and physical function. Results Compared to the control group, the developmental coordination disorder group showed lower walking efficiency (P = 0.026), higher step length variability (P = 0.047), and shorter single leg stance test (P = 0.001). Developmental coordination disorder was independently associated with walking efficiency (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001–1.061; P = 0.041) and single leg stance test (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.978–0.996; P = 0.006), but not to step length variability, age, and sex. Conclusions Lower walking efficiency increases energy expenditure in children with developmental coordination disorder trait. Interventions to improve walking efficiency could improve the physical function and participation of these children.

Physiological cost index: comparison between repaired congenital heart disease and healthy children

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) have compromised physiological function compared to normal with the same age and anthropometric measure. Physiologic cost index (PCI) calculated the energy expenditure and gives an idea about the same during walking. So the present observational study calculates the energy expenditure in repaired congenital heart disease patient and provides the baseline for a goal to achieve during any rehabilitation program by comparing with the normal. To compare the PCI between repaired congenital heart disease patients and healthy children. The study design is observational. Total 40 participants were selected as per the criteria for inclusion and exclusion i.e. 20 healthy children and 20 with repaired congenital heart disease. Duration of the study will be for six months. The six-minute walk was performed according to guidelines, and PCI was calculated using the Macgregor’s formula. In all the variables found of 6MWT, statically significant difference was seen. The mean values for PCI for repaired CHD group was 13.84 and for normal children it was 8.6 using the unpaired T test p value was found to be p=0.0001 which is statically significant. We can conclude that the energy expenditure in children with repaired congenital heart disease is more as compared to the normal children with similar age group. PCI can be used as an effective tool for a physiotherapist in assessment and evaluation of functional performance and provide the baseline for repaired CHD children

Resting energy expenditure in children at risk of hypothalamic dysfunction.

ObjectiveChildren with suprasellar brain damage are at risk of hypothalamic dysfunction (HD). HD may lead to decreased resting energy expenditure (REE). Decreased REE, however, is not present in all children with HD. Our aim was to assess which children suspect for HD have low REE, and its association with clinical severity of HD or radiological hypothalamic damage.Patients and methodsA retrospective cohort study was performed. Measured REE (mREE) of children at risk of HD was compared to predicted REE (pREE). Low REE was defined as mREE <90% of predicted. The mREE/pREE quotient was associated to a clinical score for HD symptoms and to radiological hypothalamic damage.ResultsIn total, 67 children at risk of HD (96% brain tumor diagnosis) with a mean BMI SDS of +2.3 ± 1.0 were included. Of these, 45 (67.2%) had low mREE. Children with severe HD had a significant lower mean mREE/pREE quotient compared to children with no, mild, or moderate HD. Mean mREE/pREE quotient of children with posterior hypothalamic damage was significantly lower compared to children with no or anterior damage. Tumor progression or tumor recurrence, severe clinical HD, and panhypopituitarism with diabetes insipidus (DI) were significant risk factors for reduced REE.ConclusionREE may be lowered in children with hypothalamic damage and is associated to the degree of clinical HD. REE is, however, not lowered in all children suspect for HD. For children with mild or moderate clinical HD symptoms, REE measurements may be useful to distinguish between those who may benefit from obesity treatment that increases REE from those who would be better helped using other obesity interventions.

Measuring the Resting Energy Expenditure in Children on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Prospective Pilot Study.

Both overfeeding and underfeeding critically ill children are problematic. This prospective pilot study evaluated the resting energy expenditure in infants and children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. An indirect calorimeter was used to measure oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) and carbon dioxide production (VCO 2 ) from the mechanical ventilator. Blood gases were used to determine VO 2 and VCO 2 from the ECMO circuit. Values from the mechanical ventilator and ECMO circuit were added, and the resting energy expenditure (REE) (Kcal/kg/day) was calculated. Measurements were obtained > 24 hours after ECMO support was initiated (day 2 of ECMO), 1 day before ECMO discontinuation or transfer, and 1 day after decannulation. Data were compared with the predicted energy expenditure. Seven patients aged 3 months to 13 years were included. The REE varied greatly both above and below predicted values, from 26 to 154 KCal/kg/day on day 2 of ECMO support. In patients with septic shock, the REE was > 300% above the predicted value on day 2 of ECMO. Before ECMO discontinuation, two of six (33%) children continued to have a REE > 110% of predicted. Three patients had measurements after decannulation, all with a REE < 90% of predicted. REE measurements can be obtained by indirect calorimetry in children receiving ECMO support. ECMO may not provide metabolic rest for all children as a wide variation in REE was observed. For optimal care, individual testing should be considered to match calories provided with the metabolic demand.

P566 Impact of induction therapy and clinical remission on resting energy expenditure in children with Crohn’s Disease

Abstract Background Crohn’s Disease (CD) is known to affect nutritional status and linear growth in affected children. Patients with CD often have decreased oral intake, malabsorption, and increased intestinal losses. Basal metabolic rate may be affected by chronic inflammation and states of anorexia or malnutrition in these patients. In this study, our aim was to compare the effect of different induction regimens in children with CD on resting energy expenditure (REE) and nutritional status. Methods We recruited patients under 18 years old with new-onset CD or relapse, diagnosed at our centre over a three-year period from July 2016. Patients included had one of the following induction regimens: corticosteroids, exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), or anti-TNF therapy (Infliximab). REE was assessed at baseline and 6 to 8 weeks after induction. REE (kcal/d) was measured using an open-circuit indirect calorimeter with computerized metabolic cart (Vmax Encore, Vyaire Medical). Secondary outcomes included anthropometrics and clinical and biochemical response, defined by improved wPCDAI and negative inflammatory markers and fecal calprotectin, respectively. Results 17 patients were enrolled and 8 patients excluded (loss to follow-up (n=3), therapeutic change (n=3), revised diagnosis (n=2)). 9 patients completed REE assessments (44.4% anti-TNF (n=4), 44.4% EEN (n=4), 11.1% corticosteroid (n=1)). 3 out of 4 patients on anti-TNF had clinical and biochemical response, while only 1 of 4 patients responded to EEN. For patients in the EEN group, mean BMI change was +0.9 (SD 0.4), compared to +0.4 (SD 1.1) in the anti-TNF group. There was no difference in REE change between treatment groups. Data was then pooled based on response to treatment. 100% of non-responders had increased per cent of predicted REE (REEPP), while 75% of responders decreased their REEPP. Mean REEPP change in non-responders was +12.5% (1, 22) vs. -4.3% (-10, 6) in responders. Figure I. Relationship between REE and weight at baseline and on follow-up in non-responders. Figure II. Relationship between REE and weight at baseline and on follow-up in responders. Conclusion Our results suggest that induction regimen did not impact REE change on follow-up. In our patients, clinical response to therapy was related to a tendency to decrease REE. Patients who did not achieve remission after induction therapy increased their REE. We suspect that this increase in basal metabolic rate is related to persistent inflammation despite improved nutritional status. Further studies with larger patient populations are needed to infer significance and compare subgroups based on body composition.

Effect of High-Protein Diet on Postprandial Energy Expenditure in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Pilot and Feasibility Study.

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of measuring a postprandial increase in energy expenditure (ΔEE) using a state-of-the-art whole-body calorimetry unit (WBCU) in children and youth with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Five participants (aged 10–25 y) received both a standard and a high-protein diet in a random order (crossover design). Resting energy expenditure, postprandial ΔEE 6 h after intake of a standard [15% of total energy (TE)] and a high-protein (30% TE) meal, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were measured in a WBCU. No differences were observed in ΔEE comparing the 2 meals. Mean RER was lower following the high-protein meal (0.80 ± 0.01) compared with the standard meal (0.87 ± 0.02) (P = 0.009). Despite the high participant burden, it was feasible to conduct this metabolic test in children and youth with PWS. This study paves the way for further studies targeting EE in this patient population.

The Diagnostic-Measurement Method-Resting Energy Expenditure Assessment of Polish Children Practicing Football.

Establishing the amount of energy needed to cover the energy demand of children doing sport training and thus ensuring they achieve an even energy balance requires the resting energy expenditure (REE) to be estimated. One of the methods that measures REE is the indirect calorimetry method, which may be influenced by many factors, including body composition, gender, age, height or blood pressure. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between the resting energy expenditure of children regularly playing football and selected factors that influence the REE in this group. The study was conducted among 219 children aged 9 to 17 using a calorimeter, a device used to assess body composition by the electrical bioimpedance method by means of segment analyzer and a blood pressure monitor. The results of REE obtained by indirect calorimetry were compared with the results calculated using the ready-to-use formula, the Harris Benedict formula. The results showed a significant correlation of girls’ resting energy expenditure with muscle mass and body height, while boys’ resting energy expenditure was correlated with muscle mass and body water content. The value of the REE was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) than the value of the basal metabolic rate calculated by means of Harris Benedict formula. The obtained results can be a worthwhile suggestion for specialists dealing with energy demand planning in children, especially among those who are physically active to achieve optimal sporting successes ensuring proper functioning of their body.

Concurrent validity and reliability of 3-day physical activity recall on daily energy expenditure in children and adolescents

PurposeThe aim of this study was to validate the 3-Day Physical Activity Recall (3DPAR) for measuring daily energy expenditure in children and adolescents.MethodsChildren and adolescents, a total of 148 participants, were recruited in 10 schools. The data collection was carried out in a period of 11 months. The measurements of weight, skinfold, and circumferences were performed. After the anthropometric assessment, an accelerometer was put on and the participant remained with the electrodes during 5 days. On the fifth day, the accelerometer was taken off and 3DPAR was applied. After 1 week of the study (eighth day), 3DPAR was applied again for testing reliability.ResultsIn the analysis of reliability and internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha was 0.73 for the first assessment of 3DPAR and 0.83 for the second one. The consistency of the values estimated by 3DPAR yielded Cronbach’s alpha of 0.89 in the first assessment and 0.83 in the second one. The correlations and the coefficient of determination between 3DPAR and the accelerometer were considered moderate and significant (&lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.645, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001).Conclusions3DPAR presented satisfactory reliability and moderate correlations with the criterion measurement in children and adolescents aged 10–12 years.

Assessment of Active Video Games' Energy Expenditure in Children with Overweight and Obesity and Differences by Gender.

(1) Background: Childhood obesity has become a main global health problem and active video games (AVG) could be used to increase energy expenditure. The aim of this study was to investigate the energy expenditure during an AVG intervention combined with exercise, differentiating by gender. (2) Methods: A total of 45 children with overweight or obesity (19 girls) performed an AVG intervention combined with exercise. The AVG used were the Xbox Kinect, Nintendo Wii, dance mats, BKOOL cycling simulator, and Nintendo Switch. The energy expenditure was estimated from the heart rate recorded during the sessions and the data from the individual maximal tests. (3) Results: The mean energy expenditure was 315.1 kilocalories in a one-hour session. Participants spent the most energy on BKOOL, followed by Ring Fit Adventures, Dance Mats, Xbox Kinect, and the Nintendo Wii, with significant differences between BKOOL and the Nintendo Wii. Significant differences between boys and girls were found, but were partially due to the difference in weight, VO2max, and fat-free mass. (4) Conclusions: The energy expenditure with AVG combined with multi-component exercise was 5.68 kcal/min in boys and 4.66 kcal/min in girls with overweight and obesity. AVG could be an effective strategy to increase energy expenditure in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity.

Prediction of Resting Energy Expenditure in Children: May Artificial Neural Networks Improve Our Accuracy?

The inaccuracy of resting energy expenditure (REE) prediction formulae to calculate energy metabolism in children may lead to either under- or overestimated real caloric needs with clinical consequences. The aim of this paper was to apply artificial neural networks algorithms (ANNs) to REE prediction. We enrolled 561 healthy children (2–17 years). Nutritional status was classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and 113 were obese. REE was measured using indirect calorimetry and estimated with WHO, Harris–Benedict, Schofield, and Oxford formulae. The ANNs considered specific anthropometric data to model REE. The mean absolute error (mean ± SD) of the prediction was 95.8 ± 80.8 and was strongly correlated with REE values (R2 = 0.88). The performance of ANNs was higher in the subgroup of obese children (101 ± 91.8) with a lower grade of imprecision (5.4%). ANNs as a novel approach may give valuable information regarding energy requirements and weight management in children.

Effect of walking aids and foot orthoses on energy expenditure in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review

BackgroundWalking aids and ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) are designed to address gait problems. These devices are common among children with cerebral palsy (CP), as those children’s ability to ambulate is a big concern for their parents, and its improvement is considered primary focus of therapeutic modalities addressing motor disorders of this population. However, empirical support for walking aids and AFO is limited. The aim of this review was to assess the quality of research on the effect of walking aids and AFO on energy expenditure in children with CP.Materials and methodsFour electronic databases using predefined terms were searched by two independent reviewers. All study designs except case reports were included. Nineteen studies involving 509 participants met inclusion criteria and were involved in this review.ResultsHeterogeneity was observed across included studies in measurement, implementation, and study rigor.ConclusionThere is a need for high-quality studies to draw a clear conclusion on the effect of walking aids and AFO on energy expenditure in children with CP; the typical flaws of existing studies included weak experimental designs, insubstantial treatment outcomes, and high risk of bias.