Changes in Quality of Life after Weight Reduction and Physical Therapy Interventions in Children with Obesity

Abstract

Background:  Obesity in children is a complex medical condition. The mental health of obese children is currently receiving increasing attention from researchers and medical practitioners. The wellbeing and quality of life of obese children are negatively impacted by a variety of psycho-social problems. Children who are overweight or obese may benefit from a training program that incorporates weight management, strengthening, and neuromuscular activities by increasing their strength, balance, participation, self-confidence, and general quality of life.  Although there are many guidelines for strengthening and neuromuscular exercises, the majority of it do not specifically address the population of obese children. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a designed program that incorporates strength and neuromuscular exercise in addition to weight management that is specifically tailored to the restrictions and abilities of the obese child. Patients and methods: From schools, thirty obese children between the ages of 8 and 11 were chosen. The control group followed a nutritionist-designed weight-loss diet. The study group followed the same weight-loss program in addition to a neuromuscular and strength-training exercise program. Results: Our results revealed that there were significant differences (MD=11.06; P= 0.002; P<0.05) (MD=9.70; P= 0.002; P<0.05) in the mean ±SD values of pediatric quality of life inventory for both children and parents’ proxies respectively between the control group and the study group at after-treatment (55.70±9.88 and 66.76±6.86, respectively) (56.65±5.89 and 66.35±10.36, respectively). This significant increase in pediatric quality of life inventory score for children at post-treatment is more favorable of the study group (66.76 ±6.86) (66.35 ±10.36) than the control group (55.70 ±9.88) (56.65 ±5.89). Conclusion: The findings determined that a neuromuscular and strength training exercise program for obese children population is an effective approach to improve quality of life of obese children.