A comparison activities of daily living, physical fitness and quality of life in obese and healthy adolescents

Childhood obesity has emerged as one of the most serious public health problems in the 21st century. Our aim was to compare daily living activities, physical fitness and quality of life levels in obese adolescents with healthy peers. 8 girl and 8 boy obese adolescents aged 12-18 years and 8 girl and 8 boy healthy adolescents were included. Peripheral muscle strength was measured using hand dynamometer. Peripheral muscle endurance was assessed using modified push-up, sit-up and squat tests. Daily life activities (ADL) were determined using Glittre ADL test. Maximal exercise capacity was measured using Modified Shuttle Walk test (MSWT). Physical fitness was assessed using the Munich Physical Fitness Test (MFT) and quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). Handgrip strength was similar in obese and healthy adolescents without gender differences (p>0.05). Repeat numbers of modified push-up and sit-up in obese adolescents were significantly lower than their healthy peers (p<0.05). Number of squats was similar, and gender had no effect on these results (p>0.05). Duration of Glittre-ADL test was significantly higher in obese adolescents and they perceived more dyspnea and leg fatigue at the end of the test (p<0.05). The MSWT walking distance, peak oxygen consumption, and MFT total score were significantly lower in obese adolescents regardless of gender (p<0.05). Obese adolescents had significantly lower PODCI-mobility, physical function and sport, comfort/pain, happiness/satisfaction and global function scores without gender differences (p<0.05). As a result, peripheral muscle endurance, ADL, maximal exercise capacity, physical fitness levels and quality of life are negatively affected in obese adolescents. It should be investigated whether cardiac rehabilitation interventions effects on these parameters.