Effects of Aerobic Exercise With and Without Low Calorie Diet on Adiposity and BMI of Overweight and Obese Children With Down Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, affecting about 1 in 800 newborns worldwide. This research aims to compare the effects of aerobic exercise alone versus aerobic exercise combined with a low calorie diet on reducing body fat and improving body mass index (BMI) in overweight and obese children with Down syndrome. The study focuses on children aged 8 to 16 years who have a BMI at or above the 85th percentile, representing overweight or obesity status. The trial includes two groups: one group will participate in aerobic exercise combined with a low calorie diet following an intermittent fasting plan, while the other group will do aerobic exercise without any specific diet changes. The aerobic exercise involves warm-up and cool-down sessions, with the diet consisting of fasting periods increasing over 12 weeks. The study is randomized and conducted over a total duration of 10 months, with a sample size of 22 participants. Participants will be assessed using a digital weight scale and BMI calculator at the start and at 12 weeks. Additional evaluations include waist circumference, aerobic fitness via a 6-minute walk test, skin-fold measurements, perceived exertion scales, and food frequency questionnaires. The study monitors changes in adiposity and BMI to provide insights into the best approach for weight management in children with Down syndrome. Data will be analyzed using SPSS software, and all participants will be supervised closely throughout the trial.

Aerobic Exercise With and Without Low Calorie Diet on Adiposity and BMI of Down Syndrome