The Influence Of A Multidisciplinary Treatment Of Obese Children On Fat Mass And Physical Fitness: 2273 Board#62 10:30AM ??? 12:00PM

Introduction Childhood obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide and is associated with different co-morbidities. Because of this, treatment should be started at an early stage. At the Zeepreventorium in De Haan (Belgium) obese children and adolescents are taken for a residential multidisciplinary treatment (cognitive behavior, exercise (endurance training) and diet) during 6 to 10 months. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of this programme on physical fitness and body composition. Material and methods 36 obese children (14 boys, 21 girls, aged 10–18) were included in the study. Lenght and weight were measured using a centimetre ruler and meter stick respectively a standard weighing scale. BMI was calculated from these values. Fat mass and fat-free mass was measured by bio-impedance (Bodystat 1500 MDD). Physical fitness was determined using the Eurofit test battery. Tests were conducted at the beginning (pretesting), after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Data were analysed by Friedman test (p < 0,05) and Wilcoxon signed rank test post hoc (p < 0,02). Correlation between anthropometric data and physical fitness were determined by Spearman rho. Results Weigth, BMI (19%), fat mass (18%) and fat-free mass (5%) decreased significantly (p < 0,05) after 3 and 6 months compared to the start of the programme. The results of nearly all test items ameliorated significantly after 3 months compared to pre-test. After 6 months, there was only a further significant amelioration on flamingo balance, plate tapping and shuttle run (10* 5m) (table 1). The results of hand grip were decreased significantly after 6 months compared to pre-test and decrease was significantly correlated with loss of fat free mass (ρ = 0,809, p < 0,001).TableConclusion The residential multidisciplinary treatment of the Zeepreventorium in De Haan (Belgium) has over-all a positive influence on anthropometric data and on physical fitness, namely balance, coordination, fiexibility and strength, except for static strength.