title: Graded Exercise Testing in a Pediatric Weight Management Center: The DeVos Protocol.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this article, we describe a protocol used to test the functional capacity of the obese pediatric patient and describe the peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) of patients seeking treatment at a pediatric weight management center.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred eleven (mean age, 12.5 ± 3.0 years) patients performed a multistage exercise test on a treadmill, of which 90 (81%) met end-test criteria and provided valid VO2peak data. Peak VO2 was expressed: (1) in absolute terms (L·min(-1)); (2) as the ratio of the volume of oxygen consumed per minute relative to total body mass (mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)); and (3) as the ratio of the volume of oxygen consumed per minute relative to fat-free mass (mL·FFM·kg(-1)·min(-1)).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean BMI z-score was 2.4 ± 0.3 and the mean percent body fat was 36.5 ± 9.7%. Absolute VO2peak (L·min(-1)) was significantly different between sexes; however, relative values were similar between sexes. Mean VO2peak was 25.7 ± 4.8 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1) with a range of 13.5-36.7 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Obese youth seeking treatment at a stage 3 pediatric weight management center exhibit low VO2peak. The protocol outlined here should serve as a model for similar programs interested in the submaximal and peak responses to exercise in obese pediatric patients.
authors.affiliation: 1 Division of Sports & Cardiovascular Nutrition, Department of Radiology, Michigan State University , East Lansing, MI.
authors.forename: Joey C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Eisenmann
authors.affiliation: 2 Division of Kinesiology and Health, University of Wyoming , Laramie, WY.
authors.forename: Emily Hill
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Guseman
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Kinesiology, Hope College , Holland, MI.
authors.forename: Kyle
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.affiliation: 4 The Healthy Weight Center, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids , MI.
authors.forename: Jared
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tucker
authors.affiliation: 4 The Healthy Weight Center, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids , MI.
authors.forename: Lucie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: 4 The Healthy Weight Center, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids , MI.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Stratbucker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*