The effect of a multidisciplinary physical activity intervention on the body composition and physical fitness of obese children.

Aim: The aim was to determine the effect of a physical activity, diet, and behaviour modification intervention of 13 weeks, 3x per week for 60 minutes on the body composition and physical fitness of overweight and obese children.

Methods: A convenience sample of 37 subjects with a mean age of 11 years (±0.99) was used, where 20 subjects (13 girls; seven boys) took part in the intervention and 17 (11 girls; six boys) formed part of the control group. Body composition (height, body mass, skinfolds, circumferences, body fat percentage, and body mass index) and health-promoting physical fitness (cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, muscular strength, and muscular endurance) were analysed using the Fitnessgram and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-II during baseline, after the intervention programme, and after a follow-up period of three months.

Results: The results showed statistical (P<0.05) and practical significant (d>0.2) improvement in the body composition of the group, after participation in the intervention, with a sustainable effect, three months later on body fat percentage and the subscapular skinfold. Muscular strength and flexibility improved significantly after the intervention, but with no sustainable effect.

Conclusion: It is concluded that a multi-disciplinary obesity intervention can improve the body composition profile and the health-related physical fitness of young obese children, although the effect will not be sustainable without ongoing, controlled intervention.