Exercise intervention in childhood obesity: a randomized controlled trial comparing hospital-versus home-based groups.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a hospital clinic group- versus home-based combined exercise-diet program for the treatment of childhood obesity.


METHODS
One hundred ten overweight/obese Spanish children and adolescents (6-16 years) in 2 intervention groups (hospital clinic group-based [n = 45] and home-based [n = 41]) and a sex-age-matched control group (n = 24) were randomly assigned to participate in a 6-month combined exercise (aerobic and resistance training) and Mediterranean diet program. Anthropometric values (including body weight, height, body mass index, BMI-Z score, and waist circumference) were measured pre- and postintervention for all the participants. Percentage body fat was also determined with a body fat analyzer (TANITA TBF-410 M).


RESULTS
Our study showed a significant reduction in percentage body fat and body mass index Z-score among both intervention-group participants (4%, 0.16, hospital clinic group-based; 4.4%, 0.23, home-based; P < .0001). There was also a significant reduction in waist circumference in the home-based group (4.4 cm; P = .019). Attendance rates at intervention sessions were equivalent for both intervention groups (P = .805).


CONCLUSIONS
The study findings indicate that a simple home-based combined exercise and Mediterranean diet program may be effective among overweight and obese children and adolescents, because it improves body composition, is feasible and can be adopted on a large scale without substantial expenses.
Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Moncada, Valencia, Spain. juanfran@uch.ceu.es
Juan Francisco
JF
Lisón
José María
JM
Real-Montes
Isabel
I
Torró
María Dolores
MD
Arguisuelas
Julio
J
Alvarez-Pitti
J
J
Martínez-Gramage
Francisco
F
Aguilar
Empar
E
Lurbe
D000273:Adipose Tissue; D000293:Adolescent; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D004035:Diet Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D050177:Overweight / Q000628:therapy*; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055105:Waist Circumference; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods