Effect of individualized exercise training combined with diet restriction on inflammatory markers and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 in obese children.

Aims: The present study was designed to examine the possible changes in body composition, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and inflammatory markers of obese children in response to a 2-month program of exercise training combined with dietary restriction.

Methods: Twenty-eight obese children (age 13.2 +/- 0.7 years, body mass index 30.9 +/- 1.3) were randomly assigned to a diet/training group or a control group and were tested two times: once before and once at the end of the experimental period. They performed a progressive cycle ergometer test at each visit. Substrate oxidation was evaluated by indirect calorimetry. Training was individualized at the point when fat oxidation was maximal (Lipox(max)).

Results: Diet/training induced a significant decrease in body weight and body fat (after vs. before, p < 0.01). Plasma concentrations of IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and inflammatory markers were significantly decreased after the completion of the program. The diet/training program resulted in an increase in VO(2max)ACSM (24.6 +/- 2.5 to 33.1 +/- 3.1 ml/min/kg, p < 0.001) at the end of the intervention period.

Conclusion: These data suggest that in the presence of weight loss, exercise training improves inflammatory markers and IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in obese children.