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Int J Sports Med 2006; 27(8): 666-671
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-872920
Clinical Sciences

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

A Combined Dietary-Physical Activity Intervention Affects Bone Strength in Obese Children and Adolescents

D. Nemet1 , E. Berger-Shemesh2 , B. Wolach1 , A. Eliakim1
  • 1Child Health and Sports Center, Pediatric Department, Meir General Hospital, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Kfar-Saba, Israel
  • 2Ribstein Center for Sport Medicine Sciences and Research, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: August 30, 2005

Publication Date:
06 December 2005 (online)

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Abstract

Obesity has become the most common pediatric chronic disease in the modern era. Recent data suggests that unlike obese adults, obese children and adolescents may have decreased bone strength. It was the objective to prospectively examine the short term effects of a 3 month combined dietary-physical activity intervention on anthropometric measures, body composition, fitness and bone strength in obese children. Twelve obese subjects completed the 3 m intervention and were compared to 12 obese age and gender matched controls. Bone strength was measured using quantitative ultrasound measurements of bone speed of sound (SOS). There were significant differences in changes of body weight (0.01 ± 0.7 vs. 2.3 ± 0.6 kg, p = 0.033), BMI percentiles (- 2.8 ± 1.1 vs. - 0.2 ± 0.2 %, p = 0.037), body fat percent (by skinfolds, - 1.5 ± 0.8 vs. 0.7 ± 0.5 %, p = 0.035), and endurance time (170 ± 42 vs. 50 ± 27 s, p = 0.045) in the intervention vs. control subjects, respectively. In addition, we found a significant difference in the change of bone SOS between the intervention and control group subjects (21.5 ± 21.6 vs. - 87.0 ± 37 m/s, p = 0.023). During the critical period of bone development of childhood and adolescence, a combined dietary-physical activity intervention leads to increased bone strength in obese children. These results highlight the importance of multi-disciplinary programs for the treatment of childhood obesity and its complications.

Key words

Pediatric overweight - treatment - speed of sound - ultrasound

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M. D. A. Eliakim

Child Health and Sports Center, Department of Pediatrics, Meir General Hospital

59 Tchernichovski St.

Kfar-Saba, 44281

Israel

Phone: + 97297472134

Fax: + 97 2 97 47 13 03

Email: eliakim.alon@clalit.org.il