Physical Activity In Obese Children Research Articles

Physical Activity and Its Potential Determinants in Obese Children and Adolescents under Specialist Outpatient Care-A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: this study aimed to assess the physical activity of obese pediatric patients under specialized outpatient care and its potential determinants. (2) Methods: A total of 83 subjects aged 7-18 years with simple obesity and their parents were enrolled. Data were collected with the use of physical activity questionnaires (PAQs) for children and adolescents and additional questions concerning selected socio-demographic characteristics. (3) Results: The mean final PAQ score was 2.09 ± 0.69. The most frequently chosen types of physical activity included walking, gymnastics, and jogging or running. We found a weak correlation inversely proportional between the child's age and mean final PAQ score (r = -0.25; p = 0.02). Younger children were more active during lunchtime at school and after school compared to adolescents (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04). The final PAQ score differed according to the place of residence; the lowest score was obtained by subjects living in cities >100,000 inhabitants (p = 0.025). We found a positive correlation between PAQ-Ch score and the father's physical activity, and between PAQ-A score and the mother's education. (4) Conclusions: The physical activity of obese pediatric patients is low, particularly in adolescents. It seems that age and place of residence have an impact on the physical activity of obese children and adolescents. The PAQs used in this study are useful in physical activity assessment and identification of time segments during the day in which activity might be improved. However, this requires confirmation in a larger group of pediatric patients.

The Effect of Information Placebo on Physical Activity in Overweight and Obese Children.

To assess the effect of 1 week of consuming a placebo "energy drink" compared with a week of drinking regular water on daily physical activity in obese children participating in a weight reduction multidisciplinary program. Seventeen prepubertal (age = 128.7 [26.6]m) overweight and obese children (7 females and 10 males) participated in the study. Participants received 7 bottles of mineral water per week for 2 weeks. Different types of information were randomly provided regarding the drink consumed in each week: standard (water) versus deliberate positive information (presumed energy drink and placebo). Daily step count was measured using pedometers and compared using paired t test. After consuming the placebo drink, children demonstrated a significantly higher average daily step number (10,452 [4107]) compared with the days they drank water (8168 [2928], P < .005). This difference was attributed mainly to male participants. The use of placebo in the form of deliberate positive information was associated with a significant increase in real-life physical activity in overweight and obese children, especially in boys. Positive information may be used to encourage children with obesity to enhance daily physical activity and energy expenditure.

The Relationship of Vitamin D Status, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and Physical Activity in Obese Children and Adolescents

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a range of chronic diseases, including childhood obesity. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in obese children and adolescents ranges from 6.5% to 57%. This cross-sectional study included 92 obese patients with body mass index z-score >2 and 39 subjects in the control group. Anthropometric and laboratory patient assessment were performed, including the fasting 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED index), while physical activity was evaluated by Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ). Serum levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower in obese subjects compared to the control group (52.0 ± 17.93 vs. 64.09 ± 25.82 nmol/L, P = .003). The subgroup of obese patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) had significantly lower levels of serum vitamin D when compared to the subgroup of obese patients without MS and the control group (46.99 ± 17.11 vs. 54.58 ± 17.93 vs. 64.09 ± 25.82 nmol/L, P = .003). Obese patients with MS had lower PAQ score when compared to obese without MS and the control group (2.32 ± 0.55 vs. 2.49 ± 0.67 vs. 2.85 ± 0.63 nmol/L, P = .002), while no significant differences were observed in the KIDMED index (4.23 ± 1.81 vs. 4.21 ± 2.13 vs. 4.87 ± 2.29, P = .251), respectively. PAQ score was in positive correlation with serum levels of 25(OH)D (r = 0.305, P < .001). This study demonstrated that obese children and adolescents have significantly lower values of serum 25(OH)D. The positive correlation between vitamin D and PAQ score points to the importance of physical activity in the prevention of further cardiovascular complications and MS.

Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on Nutritional Status and Physical Activity of Obese Children

Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on Nutritional Status and Physical Activity of Obese Children

The relationship of vitamin D status, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity in obese children and adolescents

The relationship of vitamin D status, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity in obese children and adolescents

Chi Square Test Correlation of Physical Activity of Obese Children of Three Libyan Cities

Background-The highest prevalence of childhood obesity have been observed in developed countries, however its prevalence is increasing in developing countries as well.Objectives-To evaluate demographic variation in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 1361 children and adolescents of three Libyan cities Tripoli, Zawia, and Geryan (Tripoli- girls; n =369, boys; n = 290, Zawia- girls; n =250, boys; n = 89, and Geryan- girls; n =230, boys; n = 133) aged 3-19 years. Methods-The study was carried out at Central Tripoli Pediatric Hospital during a year 2016/17.The researcher took the anthropometric measurements inside the nurse's room of the out-patient department (OPD), and gave a questionnaire to children to be answered by one of the child's parents. The questionnaire included questions related to the socioeconomic status, life style (physical activity and eating habits) and family history of overweight and obesity.In this paper a Chi square test of independence is used to measures whether there is a relationship between gender and physical activity.The results shows that there is a significant relationship between the physical activity and the gender for all three cities.

Efficacy of the prescription of physical activity in the obese child population.

To determine the effectiveness of prescribing physical activity to the population of overweight and obese children, in accordance with the levels of evidence. To find literature pertaining to the intervention of physical activity in overweight and obese children. four electronic databases were used: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and Lilacs. The search was conducted with a cut-off date of June 2012. Randomized controlled clinical trials of intervention programs involving physical activity for both overweight and obese children were selected. Two independent researchers reviewed and evaluated the quality of the studies, and extracted intervention and result data. A total of 204 studies were identified. 19 randomized controlled studies which complied with inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. These studies evaluated the impact of physical activity among obese children and compared different types of intervention based on exercise and diet or both with the objective of reducing weight in obese children. CONCLUSIONs: It is necessary to conduct studies on obese children with bigger sample sizes to determine the effects of the treatment, and more importantly, to devise comprehensive programs that include a structured exercise program complemented by a dietary program. Likewise, the development of public health policies that allow for the development of national programs for weight and obesity control in Colombian children and adults should be developed, taking into account that the causes of obesity are multiple, including social, familiar, metabolic, and dietary aspects.

Pediatric obesity and walking duration increase medial tibiofemoral compartment contact forces.

With the high prevalence of pediatric obesity there is a need for structured physical activity during childhood. However, altered tibiofemoral loading during physical activity in obese children likely contribute to their increased risk of orthopedic disorders of the knee. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of pediatric obesity and walking duration on medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces. We collected experimental biomechanics data during treadmill walking at 1 m•s(-1) for 20 min in 10 obese and 10 healthy-weight 8-12 year-olds. We created subject-specific musculoskeletal models using radiographic measures of tibiofemoral alignment and centers-of-pressure, and predicted medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces at the beginning and end of each trial. Obesity and walking duration affected tibiofemoral loading. At the beginning of the trail, the average percent of the total load passing through the medial compartment during stance was 85% in the obese children and 63% in the healthy-weight children; at the end of the trial, the medial distribution was 90% in the obese children and 72% in the healthy-weight children. Medial compartment loading rates were 1.78 times greater in the obese participants. The medial compartment loading rate increased 17% in both groups at the end compared to the beginning of the trial (p = 0.001). We found a strong linear relationship between body-fat percentage and the medial-lateral load distribution (r(2) = 0.79). Altered tibiofemoral loading during walking in obese children may contribute to their increased risk of knee pain and pathology.

Importance of Physical Activity in Obese Children in Relation to Motor Skills: A Systematic Review

Background:&nbsp;Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and is associated with increased cardio vascular mortality and morbidity in adult life. In children, obesity correlates strongly with a progressive reduction in the level of physical activity and changes in food habits.Methods:&nbsp;This study is a qualitative research study. A secondary data collection technique was utilized and conducted through a search of articles published between 2005 and 2014 in PubMed and Google scholar databases. The objective of the present study is to provide a systemic review of the available literature and outline the factors in early life that are associated with an increased risk of obesity in children there by leading to poor gross motor skill performance with the help of Anthropometric assessment, Body composition and Motor skills proficiency.Results:&nbsp;Importantly recent studies have demonstrated that exercise training improves vascular endothelial function and stimulation of pressure receptors leading to increased vagal activity in obese children. The current literature highlights the importance of adding exercise programs to clinics, schools and families for the physical and psychological wellbeing of children.Conclusion:&nbsp;Overall findings from the present review showed that normal children with physical exercise are more superior in motor skills compared to other peers. Results of the previous studies indicated that normal children’s are more efficient in bilateral coordination in greater balancing, efficient upper limb coordination and greater strength.

Influence of a program of physical activity in children and obese adolescents; evaluation of physiological stress by compounds in saliva; study protocol

Different studies4, 5 relate that stress increases in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity, and consequently their salivary physiological responses (AEA salivary alpha-amylase, cortisol, cytokines, leptin), so in this study we relate these two parameters to see their progress through a program of physical activity. If we manage to reduce overweight or obesity, these physiological responses and stress should also be reduced, thus improving the overall health status of these children and adolescents. The overall objective of the study was to determine the influence of physical activity in obese children and adolescents in perceived stress. An observational, descriptive, prospective and longitudinal study will be carried out. The universe is made up of 60 overweight / obese children and adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years. The assessment will take place from September 2012 to September 2013. To collect saliva samples, the ELISA8 method will be used. Variables such as BMI, lifestyle and diet will also be collected Among the expected results are to lower overweight and obesity in children through physical activity program. To reduce stress and to normalize physiological salivary parameters.

Interdisciplinary Aspects of Childhood Obesity and Physical Fitness

Interdisciplinary Aspects of Childhood Obesity and Physical Fitness

Dogs motivate obese children for physical activity: key elements of a motivational theory of animal-assisted interventions

Background: There is empirical evidence that the presence of a companion animal can have a positive impact on performance. The available evidence can be viewed in terms of differing hypotheses that attempt to explain the mechanisms behind the positive effects. Little attention has been given to motivation as a potential mode of action with regards to human-animal interactions. First we give an overview of evidence that animals might promote motivation. Second we present a study to examine the effect of a therapy dog on exercise performance in children with obesity.Methods: Twelve children, aged 8–12 years old, were randomly assigned to two groups in a crossover design: dog-group and human confederate group. Several types of physical activities via accelerometer and subjective ratings of wellbeing, satisfaction, and motivation were assessed. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance for repeated measures on one factor.Results: The main effect of condition was significant for all performance variables. There was less passive behavior and more physical activity for all performance variables in the presence of the dog than in that of the human confederate. Between dog- and human- condition there was no difference in the subjective rating of motivation, wellbeing, or satisfaction.Discussion: The results demonstrate that the presence of a therapy dog has the potential to increase physical activity in obese children. Task performance as a declarative measure was increased by the presence of the dog in comparison to a human confederate, but self-report measures of motivation, satisfaction or wellbeing did not differ between the two conditions. Therefore, it stands to reason that a dog could trigger implicit motives which enhance motivation for activity. The results of our study indicate the potentially beneficial effect of incorporating dogs into outpatient training for obese children.

Childhood obesity and walking: guidelines and challenges

The development and maintenance of excess body mass in many children is partly attributable to levels of physical activity that are lower than the recommended 60 minutes/day. Walking is a recommended form of physical activity for obese children, due to its convenience and perceived ease of adoption. Unfortunately, studies that have used objective physical activity assessment continue to report low step counts and levels of physical activity in obese children. This may be due to physiological and/or biomechanical factors that make walking more difficult for obese children. The purpose of this review is to highlight the current recommended and measured levels of physical activity for children and to discuss the physiological and biomechanical challenges of walking for obese children that may help explain why these children are not meeting physical activity goals.

Movement Skills and Physical Activity in Obese Children

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Hunter Illawarra Kids Challenge Using Parent Support physical activity program in overweight children. A multisite randomized controlled trial was conducted with three intervention arms: 1) child-centered physical activity skill development program (Activity), 2) parent-centered dietary modification program (DIET), or 3) both programs combined (PA+DIET). Movement skill proficiency, perceived athletic competence, accelerometer-assessed physical activity, and parent-reported time spent in screen behaviors were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months in 165 prepubertal children aged 5.5-9 yr (59% girls, 78% obese). Differences in changes in outcomes between groups were assessed using linear mixed models. Compared with the diet group, the activity group (mean (95% confidence interval): +7.7 units (3.8-11.6 units)) and the activity + diet group (+6.7 units (2.9-10.5 units)) displayed 11%-13% greater improvement in overall movement skill proficiency (gross motor quotient) at 6 months. Perceived athletic competence increased across groups at follow-up (across groups: 6 months = +0.21 units (0.11-0.31 units), 12 months = +0.21 units (0.07-0.35 units)). Groups did not differ statistically for change in physical activity outcomes. Total screen time (min·wk(-1)) decreased in all groups at 6 months (across groups: -385.4 (-501.0 to -269.8)) and in the activity group (-261.8 (-470.5 to -53.1)) and activity + diet group (-340.5 (-534.6 to -146.4)) at 12 months. The diet group reported greater reductions in TV or DVD viewing time at 6 months compared with the activity group (248.6 (24.0-473.3)). The activity and the activity + diet programs were efficacious in improving overweight children's movement skill proficiency. All programs were efficacious in reducing time spent in screen behaviors. Other correlates may need to be targeted in addition to movement skills to increase physical activity among overweight children.

Correlates of Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Obese Children

The aim of this study was to identify potential correlates of objectively measured physical activity in a sample of obese children. A cross-sectional design was used to assess 137 5-9-year-old obese children (mean +/- s.d. age = 8.3 +/- 1.1 years; mean BMI z-score = 2.76 +/- 0.70; 58% girls) from two regional cities in New South Wales, Australia, before commencement in a treatment trial. Correlates examined included age, BMI z, parental BMI, perceived competence, health-related quality of life, daily minutes spent in small screen recreation (SSR), and fundamental motor skill (FMS) proficiency. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers and values were calculated for % of monitored time spent in moderate- (MPA) and vigorous (VPA)-intensity physical activity and mean counts per minute (CPM). Analyses were conducted separately for boys and girls. Motor skill proficiency was significantly correlated with a number of physical activity variables for boys and girls. For boys, regression analysis revealed object-control proficiency predicted CPM (R(2) = 0.25) and age was a predictor of %MPA (R(2) = 0.56). Age and object-control skill proficiency were salient predictors of %VPA (R(2) = 0.34). For girls, age and daily minutes of SSR were the only significant predictors for CPM (R(2) = 0.13). Age was the sole predictor of %MPA (R(2) = 0.38) and %VPA (R(2) = 0.15). The targeting of FMSs at an early age should be tested in experimental studies as potential strategies to increase physical activity among obese children, particularly for boys. Interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behaviors among obese girls should also be considered.

Daily differences in patterns of physical activity among overweight/obese children engaged in a physical activity program

The aim of this study was to compare the physical activity of overweight/obese children during days when they attended a physical activity program, and days when they did not. This is a cross-sectional intervention study of daily physical activity. The participants were referred by family, doctors, or hospital pediatricians to take part in a 10-month interdisciplinary, outpatient obesity intervention program for children. The subjects included 41 overweight and obese children aged 8-16 years, 19 boys (46%) and 22 girls (54%); BMI: 25.7 + 3.3 kg m(-2). The MTI Actigraph was used as an objective measure of daily physical activity over seven consecutive days. Physical activity program days presented a significantly higher percentage of time (4.68%) spent in moderate-to-vigorous activity compared with no physical activity program days (3.16%) and weekend (2.7%). The results of this study suggest that a physical activity program can help increasing daily physical activity in obese children, with a special focus on MVPA level. Our data point that obese children are less active at weekend than during weekdays.

Energy balance and physical activity in obese children attending day-care centres

To evaluate energy balance and physical activity in obese preschool children attending day-care centres. Cross-sectional study. Twenty-four 3-5 years old obese children selected at random from four different day-care centres in Santiago City, Chile. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured by doubly labelled water and physical activity as recorded by TRITRAC R3D motion sensor. Energy intake was assessed by measuring food intake while at the centre, along with the recording of additional food intake in the home. Obese children had a 5.4% higher weighed energy intake than their energy requirements 2001. Energy intake during the week was 7716+/-1092 kJ/day and 7401+/-1023 kJ/day in boys and girls, respectively. Minimal activity was higher in the day-care centres (62%) compared to 52% during the weekend at home. Light activity was higher during the weekend at home than during the week (25 versus 20%), but moderate-intense activity was similar (3-5%). Reduction in dietary energy provided at the day-care centres helps to balance energy requirements during the week. Obese children had marked sedentary characteristics with regards to physical activity, although children are more active at home in weekends. This situation suggests that educators and parents need to improve children's physical activity levels and nutrition habits.

Influence d'un programme d'activité physique sur la perception de la contrainte de l'exercice chez le jeune enfant obèse vs non obèse

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of multidisciplinary physical activity program on rating of perceived exertion exercise in children according to their body mass index. Method Fifty-six children (28 obese vs 28 non-obese) took part in this study and they participated 2 sessions of one hour of multidisciplinary physical activity program per week during 11 weeks. Body composition and physical fitness (aerobic and anaerobic) were performed, and rating of perceived exertion was estimated. Results The intervention has a significant improvement of anthropometric parameters, anaerobic and aerobic performances, and the scores of rating of perceived exertion. Conclusion These findings suggested that body mass index profile must be taking into account during intervention program of obesity prevention, in order to promote the physical activity in obese children.

Long-term effects of promoting physical activity in obese children

Restrained food consumption may alter metabolic function and contribute to eventual weight gain; however, sex differences in these relationships have not been assessed. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between restrained eating and insulin resistance and the influence of body mass index and sex on this relationship in a large community sample of both men and women. We hypothesized that restrained eating would be related to insulin resistance and this relationship would be influenced by sex and body mass index.In this cross-sectional, observational study, we studied 487 individuals from the community (men N = 222, women N = 265), who ranged from lean (body mass index 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, N = 173), overweight (body mass index 25–29.9 kg/m2, N = 159) to obese (body mass index > 30 kg/m2, N = 155) weight categories. We assessed restrained eating using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and obtained fasting morning plasma insulin and glucose on all subjects.In men, but not in women, restrained eating was related to homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, HOMA-IR was significantly higher in men who were high- versus low-restrained eaters (p = 0.0006).This study is the first to report sex differences with regard to the relationship between restrained eating and insulin resistance. Our results suggest that high restrained eating is associated with insulin resistance in men but not in women.

Parental Activity as a Determinant of Activity Level and Patterns of Activity in Obese Children

The purposes of this study were to measure the level and pattern of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA = > 4.5 METs) and examine predictors of activity in obese children. Fifty-one 8–12-year-old children seeking obesity treatment wore accelerometers for 3 or 4 days. Children averaged 12.2 bouts of MVPA per day that lasted an average of 4.2 min, while parents engaged in 3.9 bouts of MVPA that lasted 4.2 min. Hierarchical regression models showed parent activity improved the prediction of obese children's activity levels and the number of bouts of MVPA but not the duration of MVPA. These results suggest that programs to increase physical activity in obese children should structure the activity in short bouts and attempt to increase parental physical activity.