Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Growth and Development Disorders in Pediatrics

Background and purpose: Obesity is considered as a main factor that affects human activity and his participation in daily living. Obesity in children is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health.The purpose is to compare between the efficacy of exercise and acupuncture in reducing weight of the overweight children. Methods: Forty overweight children of both sexes, with age ranged from 9-12 years were divided randomly into 2 groups of equal number. Children in group (I) received exercise therapy program and group (II) received acupuncture therapy. Both groups received diet therapy. Treatment was conducted for one hour of exercise therapy program and half an hour for acupuncture therapy, three times per week for a successive three months for both groups. In Body 270 apparatus was used to assess body weight, body fat mass, total body water and waist-hip ratio before and after three months of intervention.Results: Significant improvement in weight reduction, body fat mass, total body water and waist-hip ratio was gained in the both groups. Significant difference in favor of group (II) was obtained regarding weight reduction, body fat mass, total body water and waist-hip ratio. Conclusion: Both exercise therapy and acupuncture could reduce weight of overweight children

Issued also as CD