Effect of Aerobic Treadmill Training on Level of Testosterone Hormone and Obesity in Male Children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

The Departments of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University* and National Institute of Nutrition**, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity becomes a major health concern in recent decades, the relationship between obesity and testosterone level is one of the longest running controver-sies in medical field.
Aim of the Study: was to determine the effect of aerobic exercise on obesity and testosterone level in boys.
Patients and Methods: Thirty boys participated in this study, their ages ranged from 8 to 12 years old and their body mass index percentile equal to or greater than 95%. The participated children were assigned randomly in two equal groups control group A and study group B. Group A received a balanced diet regimen for 12 weeks while Group B received the same balanced diet regimen in addition to aerobic exercise in the form of treadmill training for 50min, 3 days/week for 12 weeks. Weight, height, waist circumference, total and free testosterone were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of treatment for both groups.
Results: Non significant differences were found between both groups before treatment in all measuring variables (p>0.05). Post treatment results revealed no statistically significant differences between groups regarding body mass index, and total testosterone (p>0.05), while Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in waist circumference and free testosterone between both groups in favor of the study group B.
Conclusion: Aerobic exercise in form of treadmill training with balanced diet increase free testosterone level and decrease waist circumference after 12 weeks in obese boys.

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