The effects of interventions implemented during a rehabilitation camp on changes in motor skills parameters and body mass in patients with simple obesity

Introduction
According to the latest UNICEF report, Polish children put on weight at the highest pace in Europe. The number of overweight children has doubled in the last decade. The aim of the work was to assess the effects of kinesiotherapy implemented during a 3-week rehabilitation camp on changes in motor skills parameters measured on the Leonardo dynamometric platform (Novotec Medical) and on body mass in patients with simple obesity.

Material and methods
The study group included 32 children and youth aged 7-16 with simple obesity who underwent an exercise programme during a 3-week rehabilitation camp. The subjects were examined twice, i.e. at the beginning and at the end of the camp. The control group consisted of 70 healthy children within the same age range who were examined once. Body mass and body height were measured and the BMI was calculated (taking into account centile charts) for all the study participants. Motor skills were assessed on the basis of a vertical jump performed on the Leonardo GRFP (Ground Reaction Force Platform). The following data were registered: jump velocity, maximum jump height, strength, power, power with reference to body mass and the Esslinger Fitness Index (EFI). Daily kinesiotherapy included exercises in the form of circuit training and water exercises. All the patients participated in meetings with a dietician and a clinical psychologist.

Results
Statistically significant reduction in body mass after a 3-week rehabilitation camp was noted in 27 patients with simple obesity (84.1%) (p<0.05). Motor parameters did not improve significantly.

Conclusions
Regular physical activity resulted in weight loss only. However, physical activity did not bring about positive changes in motor parameters.