Related Experiment Videos
Stimulant medications decrease energy expenditure and physical activity in children with
N F Butte1, M S Treuth, R G Voigt
1US Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Insights
Stimulant medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) in children reduce physical activity and daily energy expenditure. This effect is primarily driven by decreased activity levels, not changes in metabolic rate.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
- Stimulant medications are a primary treatment for AD/HD, but their impact on energy metabolism requires further elucidation.
- Understanding the effects of these medications on physical activity and energy expenditure is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of stimulant medications on energy expenditure, fuel utilization, and physical activity in children diagnosed with AD/HD.
- To quantify changes in metabolic parameters during medication and withdrawal phases.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 31 children (ages 6-12) with AD/HD.
- Measurement of energy expenditure via room respiration calorimetry and physical activity using microwave motion detectors.
- Comparison of data collected while children were on prescribed stimulant medication versus after a medication-free period of at least 24 hours.
Main Results:
- Total and awake energy expenditure were 4-8% lower when children were on stimulant medication.
- Physical activity levels were significantly reduced (16-22%) while on medication, accounting for the lower energy expenditure.
- No significant effects of stimulant medication were observed on sleeping metabolic rate, basal metabolic rate, or fuel utilization.
Conclusions:
- Stimulant medications demonstrably decrease physical activity in children with AD/HD.
- The reduction in activity component significantly lowers total daily energy expenditure.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering physical activity changes in the management of AD/HD with stimulant therapy.
Objective:
To determine the effect of stimulant medications used to treat children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) on energy expenditure, fuel utilization, and physical activity.
Study Design:
Energy expenditure and physical activity were measured, respectively, by room respiration calorimetry and microwave motion detectors in 31 children with AD/HD (26 boys and 5 girls; ages 6 to 12 years) both while they were receiving their prescribed stimulant medication and after the medication had been discontinued for at least 24 hours. Fuel utilization was calculated from calorimetry data.
Results:
Total and awake energy expenditure including energy expended while doing schoolwork, riding a stationary bicycle, resting, and watching a movie were from 4% to 8% lower when the children were receiving their prescribed stimulant medication. Total and awake activity were also lower while they were receiving medication (16% to 22%) and accounted for the lower rates of energy expenditure. Sleeping metabolic rate, basal metabolic rate, and fuel utilization were unaffected by medication.
Conclusions:
Stimulant medications decrease physical activity, and hence, decrease the activity component of total daily energy expenditure in children with AD/HD.