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Review Article

Improvement of aerobic fitness in obese children: a meta-analysis

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Pages 169-177 | Received 01 Sep 2010, Published online: 08 Jun 2011
 

Abstract

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of diverse interventions in aerobic fitness adjusted for weight in obese children. A computerized search of seven databases was carried out using keywords. Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and the heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using Cochran's Q statistic applied to the effect size means. Nine studies were selected for review as satisfying the inclusion criteria (n patients = 311). The conclusions of the meta-analysis were: (i) the programs based on aerobic exercise have a moderate positive effect on aerobic fitness; (ii) the programs based on aerobic exercise lasting more than 12 weeks (3000 minutes total exercise time) in three sessions per week (more than 60 min per session) obtain better results; (iii) overall, combined programs fail to achieve improvements in aerobic fitness; and (iv) few randomized clinical trials have been conducted.

Acknowledgments

This study was partially funded by European Social Funds (FEDER FUNDS) and the Autonomous Government of Extremadura (Junta de Extremadura) (PRI07B092). During the completion of this paper, JMS and YE were visiting researchers at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UK), supported with grants awarded by the European Social Funds (FEDER FUNDS) and the Autonomous Government of Extremadura (Junta de Extremadura) (GR10171 and PO10012, respectively). AGH was the recipient of a Research Personnel Training studentship (FEDER FUNDS – Junta de Extremadura) (PRE08060).

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

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