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Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of 4 weeks of aerobic exercise on the cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescents with obesity and varying levels of executive function.

Methods: We recruited 80 adolescents with obesity to participate in a summer camp in China in 2022, and select 57 as research subjects based on the 2018 "Screening for Overweight and Obesity in School-Age Children and Adolescents" standard. The participants underwent morphological and 20-meter shuttle run tests to assess their VO2max. A comprehensive assessment of executive function was conducted using the Stroop task, the Wechsler Memory Scale, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The participants were divided into low and high executive function groups based on the median score of their EFz (Executive Function z-scores). The participants received six days per week, two sessions per day, and two hours per session of aerobic exercise under the guidance of professional coaches. The exercises included fat-burning exercises, such as calisthenics, and sports like badminton. The exercise intensity was controlled at 60-70% HRmax, and the participants wore heart rate monitors throughout the exercise session. During the camp, the participants' diets were managed by professional nutritionists, and any additional energy intake was strictly prohibited. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. Data were checked for normality using the S-W test. VO2max(mL·kg-1·min-1) values were expressed as means and SD. ΔVO2max=W4 (VO2max)-W0(VO2max), VO2max%=ΔVO2max/W0(VO2max)×100%, Independent sample t-tests were used to compare groups, and paired sample t-tests were used to compare W0 and W4 values within groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: After 4 weeks of aerobic exercise, there was a significant improvement in VO2max in both the low (41.69±3.88 vs. 43.94±4.36mL·kg-1·min-1, P < 0.001) and high (41.10±3.71 vs. 44.84±3.71mL·kg-1·min-1, P < 0.001) executive function groups. There was no significant difference in VO2max between the two groups before or after the exercise (P = 0.536 and P = 0.407, respectively). However, there was a significant difference in ΔVO2max (2.25±1.87vs.3.77±2.99mL·kg-1·min-1, P = 0.007) and ΔVO2max% (5.43±4.67% vs. 9.45±5.77%, P = 0.006) between the low and high executive function groups, with the high executive function group showing a significantly greater improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness compared to the low executive function group.

Conclusion: Four weeks of aerobic exercise can improve the cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescents with obesity, with a greater improvement was observed in those with high executive function compared to those with low executive function.

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