Physiological adaptation after a 12-week physical activity program for patients with Prader-Willi syndrome: two case...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Genetics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder commonly linked to obesity and complex behavioral issues.
• Limited research exists on the efficacy of physical activity interventions for individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome.
• High dropout rates are a concern for complex exercise programs in this population.

Observation:

• Two participants with Prader-Willi syndrome (an 11-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy) with obesity and typical syndrome characteristics underwent a 12-week progressive physical activity program.
• The program focused on strength and muscle hypertrophy, with adjustable workload and exercise variations.
• Parents received guidance on behavior management and nutrition prior to the intervention.

Findings:

• Both participants demonstrated improvements in health markers, including lipid profiles, body composition, and physical fitness, as evidenced by biological tests and parental reports.
• The participants readily accepted the progressively adapted physical activity program.
• No significant adverse events or dropouts were reported during the study.

Implications:

• Progressive and adaptable physical activity programs may be beneficial for managing obesity and improving health in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome.
• These findings suggest that tailored exercise interventions can be successfully implemented in this population.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these benefits across a larger cohort of individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome.