The Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training on Physical Function in Overweight Children

The Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training on Physical Activity, Gait, Strength, and Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Children

Childhood obesity is an ongoing and increasing issue, resulting in changes in body mass which cause biomechanical alterations in the lower limbs. Exercise interventions have been effectiveness at causing positive changes to the lower limbs gait, strength and functioning but children often report lack of enjoyment from the sessions which inhibits long term changes. This intervention takes a neuromuscular exercise approach whilst considering the psychological needs of children to motivate them to participate in the intervention and physical activity.

BMI calculated with height measured barefoot on weight scales and height measured barefoot on Stadiometer and Z-score based on standard measures for age and gender. A reduction in BMI is a positive change.

3D joint angle, moment and power waveforms during stance phase. Moment and power dimensionless and normalised to body mass and leg length. Time normalised to 100% of stance and walking at a self-selected pace.

3D joint angle, moment and power waveforms during stance phase. Moment and power dimensionless and normalised to body mass and leg length. Time normalised to 100% of stance and walking at a self-selected pace.

3D joint angle, moment and power waveforms during stance phase. Moment and power dimensionless and normalised to body mass and leg length. Time normalised to 100% of stance and walking at a self-selected pace.

Angle of the forefoot, midfoot, rearfoot and shank during the stance phase when walking at a self-selected pace.

Lower limb strength measured on Isokinetic Dynamometer in hip flexion/extension, hip abduction/adduction, knee flexion/extension, ankle plantarflexion/dorsiflexion. Maximal moments allometrically scaled to body mass

Lower limb strength measured on Isokinetic Dynamometer in hip flexion/extension, hip abduction/adduction, knee flexion/extension, ankle plantarflexion/dorsiflexion. Maximal moments allometrically scaled to fat free mass

The amount of repetitions of moving from a sitting position with knees at 90 degrees flexion to an upright standing position and return in one minute. Arms fixed across chest.

Time taken to rise from a seated position with knees at 90 degrees flexion and arms across chest, walk 3m and return back to seated position

Maximal time to maintain balance on one leg with eyes closed, hands on hip and free leg bent to 90degrees flexion

Accelerometer data captured and time spent in sedentary level expressed as a percentage of time worn. Accelerometers worn on right side waist for one week.

Accelerometer data captured and time spent in moderate to vigorous level expressed as a percentage of time worn. Accelerometers worn on right side waist for one week.

Inclusion Criteria: children aged 8-11 years old overweight/obese children Exclusion Criteria: children who have not given consent or had parental consent to participate children who fall outside of the selected age range children who have a physical or mental impairment that will affect their ability to participate in the procedures in the laboratory and intervention settings