title: Effects of a recreational physical activity summer camp on body composition, metabolic syndrome and physical fitness in obese children.
abstract: This study sought to examine the effects of a recreational physical activity summer camp on body composition, metabolic syndrome, and physical fitness in obese children. Forty-eight children (8-10 years; Body Mass Index ≥85th percentile) completed 4-weeks of a structured recreational physical activity program summer camp (5 hours/day, 5 days/week). Over the 4-weeks, significant reductions (P<0.05) in weight, waist circumference, Body Mass Index, percentage of body fat, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed. Additionally, a significant increase was observed in HDL-cholesterol, handgrip, trunk lift, and shuttle run (P<0.05). These findings suggest that a 4-week recreational physical activity summer camp yields several body-composition, metabolic-syndrome, and physical fitness benefits in obese children and should represent an effective support for their health development.
authors.affiliation: Center of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal - msroriz@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Mafalda S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Roriz DE Oliveira
authors.forename: André F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Teixeira Seabra
authors.forename: José A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Ribeiro Maia
mesh_terms: D001794:Blood Pressure; D001823:Body Composition; D050218:Body Fat Distribution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011998:Recreation; D055105:Waist Circumference; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D008076:Cholesterol, HDL