Activity levels of persons with Prader-Willi syndrome.

The physical activity levels of 12 individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome were measured by actometers and pedometers at a 2-week summer camp. Similar measurements were made on 13 nonretarded children at another camp. A wide range of activity levels existed among the Prader-Willi syndrome persons that was greater than that found among the comparison group. Results indicated that it is not valid to stereotype Prader-Willi syndrome individuals when describing their activity levels. Some significant correlations were found between the activity levels of the Prader-Willi syndrome persons and weight loss when age and initial body weight were considered.