Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to measure the influence of a 16-week community-based swim training program on body fat in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities.
OBJECTIVE
To use dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure the effects of a 16-week community-based swim training program on percent body fat in children and adolescents with intellectual disability (ID).


METHODS
Convenience sample.


METHODS
University sport complex and exercise science laboratory.


METHODS
Children and adolescents (n=8; mean age +/- SD, 13.1 +/- 3.4 y), 2 girls and 6 boys with ID, of varying fat levels (11%-35%).


METHODS
A swim training program lasting for the duration of 16 weeks with three 1-hour sessions held at a 25-m pool each week.


METHODS
Assessing percent body fat at pretest and posttest through the use of DXA.


RESULTS
After the 16-week exercise training program, we observed a 1.2% median increase in body fat percentage with a range from -0.3% to 4.5%. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks tests suggest that these results are statistically significant (P=.039; exact).


CONCLUSIONS
Exercise training alone proved ineffectual in reducing percent body fat in 8 children and adolescents with ID. Further research should consider implementing a combined diet and exercise program. To gauge the effectiveness of intervention programs, valid methods and complex measurement tools such as DXA should be used to assess changes in percent body fat in such a heterogeneous population.
Casey
Amanda Faith
AF
Department of Human Kinetics, St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS, Canada. acasey@stfx.ca
Rasmussen
Roy
R
Mackenzie
Sasho J
SJ
Glenn
Jillian
J
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013550:Swimming