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01-08-2014 | Systematic Review

Physical Activity in Overweight and Obese Adolescents: Systematic Review of the Effects on Physical Fitness Components and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Authors: Fabrício Vasconcellos, André Seabra, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Luiz Guilherme Kraemer-Aguiar, Eliete Bouskela, Paulo Farinatti

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 8/2014

Abstract

Background

The increasing prevalence of obesity in the pediatric age range has become a major concern. Studies have investigated the role of physical activity (PA) to prevent obesity in this population. However, previous reviews did not focus on the effects of PA in overweight/obese adolescents on physical fitness and risk factors for cardiovascular disease altogether.

Objective

The present systematic review analyzed trials investigating the effect of PA on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, body composition, hemodynamic variables, biochemical markers, and endothelial function in obese/overweight adolescents.

Methods

PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus (including Embase), and SPORTDiscus databases were searched for relevant reports without time limits. Inclusion criteria included studies published in English, with overweight and obese adolescents aged 12–17 years. The review was registered (Number CRD42013004632) on PROSPERO, the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews.

Results

The results indicated that PA is associated with significant and beneficial changes in fat percentage, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol, as well as with small non-significant changes in diastolic blood pressure, glucose, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusion

Although limited, results from controlled trials suggest that PA intervention may improve physical fitness and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adolescents who are overweight or obese.

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Title: Physical Activity in Overweight and Obese Adolescents: Systematic Review of the Effects on Physical Fitness Components and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Fabrício Vasconcellos
André Seabra
Peter T. Katzmarzyk
Luiz Guilherme Kraemer-Aguiar
Eliete Bouskela
Paulo Farinatti
Publication date: 01-08-2014
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Sports Medicine / Issue 8/2014
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0193-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Physical Activity in Overweight and Obese Adolescents: Systematic Review of the Effects on Physical Fitness Components and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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