Maximal explosive muscle power in obese and non-obese prepubertal children

Authors: Lazzer, Stefano; Pozzo, Renzo¹; Rejc, Enrico; Antonutto, Guglielmo; Francescato, Maria Pia²

Source: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, Volume 29, Number 3, May 2009 , pp. 224-228(5)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Summary Objective: 

The objectives of the present study was to compare the maximal explosive muscle power developed by the lower limbs in obese and non-obese prepubertal children. Design: 

Twenty-five obese [mean body mass index (BMI) z-score: 2·4] and 30 non-obese (mean BMI z-score: 0) children aged 8-12 years, participated in this study. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and the maximal explosive power of the lower limbs was assessed by the Exercise-Ergometer (a sledge dynamometer). Results: 

Absolute peak force (F_peak) was higher in obese than in non-obese children by 18·2% (P<0·001). Peak speed (v_peak) was not significantly different between groups (P = 0·504). Consequently, absolute peak power (W′_peak) was higher in obese than in non-obese children (+19·3%, P = 0·021). Considering gender differences, absolute F_peak and v_peak were higher in boys than in girls by +12·3 and +17·4% (P<0·05), respectively, thus yielding higher absolute W′_peak values in boys as compared to girls (+26·1%, P<0·001). Finally, W′_peak normalized for fat-free mass (FFM) was not different between obese and non-obese children but higher in boys than in girls (+24·5%, P<0·001). Conclusions: 

Power generation capability per unit of FFM was similar between obese and non-obese children but was significantly higher in boys than girls. On the clinical practice it seems important to devote supplementary care to sustain and improve the motor function of obese and non-obese girls.

Keywords: force; jumping test; limbs; maximal explosive power; obesity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-097X.2009.00863.x

Affiliations: 1: School of Sport Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy 2: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies

Publication date: 2009-05-01

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Radiology & Imaging
• By this author: Lazzer, Stefano ;  Pozzo, Renzo ;  Rejc, Enrico ;  Antonutto, Guglielmo ;  Francescato, Maria Pia

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers