Effect of an Exercise Intervention Program on BMI and Distance Covered in the 6 Min Walking Test (6MWT) in Obese Children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Childhood obesity appears to be an alarmingly growing global threat. Current evidence has shown that obesity can be successfully managed with interventions targeting movement skills, motor coordination and physical activity. However, data concerning physiotherapy practice are limited. We aimed to assess the impact of therapeutic exercise on the 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) in obese children and adolescents.

METHODS

A total of 31 obese children and adolescents (BMI > 30 kg/m), 18 males and 13 females, aged from 8 to 18 years, were enrolled. Two study groups were formed: the control group (Group A), comprising ten children; and the intervention group (Group B), comprising 21 children. Daily exercise habits were obtained via interview; anthropometric data (weight, height and BMI) were recorded; and 6-MWT parameters, blood pressure and oxygen saturation (SaO) were assessed before and after a 4-month intervention program consisting of breathing and aerobic exercises.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant increase in 6-minute walk distance (+43.34, < 0.001) and an improvement in body weight ( < 0.01), blood pressure ( < 0.01) and oxygen saturation ( < 0.03) in Group B after the 4-month training program.

CONCLUSIONS

All results highlight the potential of physical exercise in clinical practice to improve functional status and achieve weight loss. Future randomized controlled trials, including individualized therapeutic exercise programs in larger samples of obese children, are much anticipated.