| Articles : Predictive Variables to Estimate Changes in the Body Composition Following an Aerobic Exercise Training in Obese Children |
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| Abstract |
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Few studies have been reported in children which assess correlates of body composition (BC) changes in response to a physical training (PT) intervention. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not the variations in diet and physical activity (PA) would explain a significant portion of the inter-individual variation in response of BC to PT. The participants consisted of 71 children aged 7 to 11 years old. The participants were randomly assigned to group 1 or group 2. Group I trained during the first 4 months, then discontinued the PT, while group 2 underwent the training intervention during the second 4-month period, receiving no intervention during the first 4 months. Testing and measurements occurred at baseline, after 4 months, and after 8 months. Dual x-ray absorptiometry was used for the measurement of BC such as percent body fat (%BF), total body mass (TBM), fat-free mass (FFM), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineal density (BMD). Seven-day recall and four-day recall interviews were used to assess daily PA and diet throughout the entire period of the study. The mean attendance to the exercise program was 4 days per wk, the mean heart rate (HR) for the 40 min exercise session was 157±7 bpm, and the mean energy expenditure (EE) was 946±201 kJ per exercise session. On average, the total group decreased significantly %BF in response to PT, while they increased significantly TBM, FFM, BMC, and BMD, but there was a good deal of individual variability in response to PT. Multiple regression models indicated that in general, more frequent attendance, being a boy, lower energy intake and more vigorous activity were associated with healthier body composition changes with PT. In conclusion, in obese children, age, vigorous activity, diet and baseline %FAT together accounted for 25% of the variance in the change in %FAT with PT. |
| Key Words:
body composition, physical activity, diet |
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