The use of submaximal parameters in the assessment of exercise capacity in children with obesity

K. Peled, Einat Kodesh, Merav Zucker-Toledano, R. Bar-Yoseph, S. Borik-Chiger, Gur Mainzer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Peak oxygen uptake (VO2) is considered the most important indicator of aerobic exercise capacity during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). However, its accuracy is compromised when maximal effort is not achieved. In such cases, submaximal parameters can serve as surrogates for assessing exercise performance. Objectives: To compare the differences in maximal and submaximal exercise parameters between children with obesity and normal weight. Methods: A prospective study evaluating CPET using a treadmill completed by children with and without obesity. Results: A total of 153 children (50.9% females) were divided into two groups: obese (n = 87) and non-obese (n = 66). Children with obesity achieved lower exercise capacity (peakVO2 of 68% ± 16% vs. 89% ± 15%; p < 0.0001) with fewer achieving maximal effort (26.4% vs. 78.7%, respectively). VO2-derived submaximal parameters showed a significantly lower oxygen uptake efficiency slope per body weight (OUES/kg) (30.5 ± 6.1 vs. 39.0 ± 9.5; p < 0.0001) and lower VO2 at ventilatory threshold (VO2@AT) (21.2 ± 4.6 vs. 26.4 ± 5.3, p = 0.0001) in the obese group, with no significant differences in the CO2-derived parameters. Conclusions: Maximal exercise data in children with obesity is frequently unavailable due to failure to achieve maximal effort. Submaximal parameters, such as OUES and VO2@AT, may be useful substitute options for assessing the health and functional level of this population.

Original languageEnglish
JournalPediatric obesity
Early online date6 Jan 2025
StateE-pub ahead of print - 6 Jan 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 World Obesity Federation.

Keywords

  • cardiopulmonary exercise testing
  • children with obesity
  • CPET
  • OUES
  • submaximal measurements
  • ventilatory threshold

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Health Policy
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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