Comparison of the Effects of Physiotherapy Group Exercise and Basketball on Quality of Life of Obese Children

Abstract

Aim: To compare the effects of group exercises under physiotherapist control and basketball program on the quality of life of obese children. Methods: 45 obese children aged 10 years were randomly included to the physiotherapy (n = 14), basketball (n: 15), and control group (n: 16). The children were assessed before and after 12-week study duration. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was used to determine and compare their quality of life (QoL). Results: No difference was found when the subheadings of the PedsQL were compared among the groups (p > 0.05). When the changes were investigated within the groups, only significant increase was determined in the physical and emotional subheadings of the physiotherapy group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although no change was determined in the quality of life, physiotherapy group exercise was found to be more successful to affect physical and emotional status of obese children.