Effects of multidisciplinary program intervention in obese youth on academic performance, sleep, and body composition

摘要

Aim. - To assess the impact of multidisciptinary program in obese children on academic performance, sleep, and body composition.Materials and methods. -Thirty-seven youth participated in our program (19 girls, 18 boys). Measurements included height, weight, Z-score of body mass index, academic performance, sleep habits. The intervention consisted of a unique program of physical activity, including a variety of games specifically selected to be enjoyable. Activities were offered once per week, 2 hours each session, for 12 months. A health education program was offered once each month for 1 hour per session. Academic performance, self-esteem, and sleep were assessed before and after the intervention. Means were calculated at baseline and following intervention and were compared by the Wilcoxon Test.Results. -The multidisciplinary program of exercise and health education in obese youth reduced the BMI Z-score and improved academic performance, self-esteem and quality (P<0,05). The quantity of sleep was improved, achieving recommendations for duration of sleep to minimize health problems associated with sleep disorders (P<0,05).Conclusion. - The results of this program are very encouraging for the future. The program reduced the Z-score BMI and improved sleep, academic performance and self-esteem in obese children.