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Reduced physical fitness in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Author(s) -
Lukács Andrea,
Mayer Krisztina,
Juhász Eleonóra,
Varga Beatrix,
Fodor Bertalan,
Barkai László
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
pediatric diabetes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.678
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1399-5448
pISSN - 1399-543X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-5448.2012.00848.x
Subject(s) - cardiorespiratory fitness , medicine , physical fitness , anthropometry , physical therapy , type 2 diabetes , physical strength , diabetes mellitus , body mass index , grip strength , hand strength , physical medicine and rehabilitation , endocrinology
Aims To evaluate motor performance and cardiorespiratory function in youths with type 1 diabetes in comparison with age‐matched control groups and to analyze the influence of physical activity level, anthropometric and physical fitness parameters on long‐term metabolic control. Methods 106 youths with diabetes and 130 healthy youths aged 8–18 were assessed by the E urofit test regarding motor performances, cardiorespiratory fitness ( VO 2max ), skinfold thickness, and body mass index. Physical activity level was assessed through the use of questionnaires. Predictors of physical fitness and metabolic control were determined with regression analysis. Results There were no differences either in body composition or in physical activity level, but younger girls with diabetes had impaired results in speed of upper limb movement, abdominal muscle strength, upper body strength, running speed, and VO 2max ; older girls with diabetes had poor results in speed of upper limb movement, abdominal muscle strength, upper body strength and VO 2max . Younger boys with diabetes had impaired results in speed of upper limb movement, flexibility, static strength of hand, and abdominal muscle strength; and older boys with diabetes had poor results in speed of upper limb movement, flexibility, abdominal muscle strength, upper body strength, and VO 2max compared with control groups. Older age, female gender, lower physical activity level, and higher H b A 1c were significant independent predictors of poorer VO 2max . Better VO 2max proved to be the single predictor of favorable H b A 1c . Conclusions Youths with diabetes have reduced fitness parameters. Efforts should be carried out to improve physical fitness as part of treatment and care of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.