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Published on: February 2, 2017
Comparison of Body Composition, Muscle Strength and Cardiometabolic Profile in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome
Diana R Mager1,2, Krista MacDonald1, Reena L Duke2
1Department of Agricultural Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
Insights
Children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) have reduced muscle mass and strength, with increased sedentary behavior compared to healthy peers or those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Early detection of these deficits is key for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Obesity Research
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Childhood obesity, including Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), significantly impacts quality of life and increases chronic disease risks.
- These conditions lead to higher healthcare utilization and costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare body composition and muscle strength in children with PWS, NAFLD, and healthy controls.
- To identify potential differences in physical function and somatotype among these groups.
Main Methods:
- A pilot observational study involving children aged 7-18 years.
- Measurements included anthropometry, body composition, handgrip strength, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), physical activity, and cardiometabolic markers.
- Genotyping was performed for children with PWS.
Main Results:
- Children with PWS exhibited reduced lean body mass, lower handgrip strength, and decreased 6MWT performance compared to controls and NAFLD groups.
- PWS children showed increased sedentary activity and distinct somatotypes (more endomorphic, less mesomorphic) regardless of body weight.
- Abnormal blood pressure Z-scores were more prevalent in PWS children, linked to somatotype and reduced lean mass.
Conclusions:
- Reduced lean body mass and endomorphic somatotypes in children with PWS correlate with diminished muscle strength, functionality, and sedentary lifestyles.
- Early identification of these physical deficits is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve physical activity and prevent long-term complications.
Abstract:
Syndromic and non-syndromic obesity conditions in children, such as Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), both lower quality of life and increase risk for chronic health complications, which further increase health service utilization and cost. In a pilot observational study, we compared body composition and muscle strength in children aged 7−18 years with either PWS (n = 9), NAFLD (n = 14), or healthy controls (n = 16). Anthropometric and body composition measures (e.g., body weight, circumferences, skinfolds, total/segmental composition, and somatotype), handgrip strength, six minute-walk-test (6MWT), physical activity, and markers of liver and cardiometabolic dysfunction (e.g., ALT, AST, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, and lipid profile) were measured using standard procedures and validated tools. Genotyping was determined for children with PWS. Children with PWS had reduced lean body mass (total/lower limb mass), lower handgrip strength, 6MWT and increased sedentary activity compared to healthy children or those with NAFLD (p < 0.05). Children with PWS, including those of normal body weight, had somatotypes consistent with relative increased adiposity (endomorphic) and reduced skeletal muscle robustness (mesomorphic) when compared to healthy children and those with NAFLD. Somatotype characterizations were independent of serum markers of cardiometabolic dysregulation but were associated with increased prevalence of abnormal systolic and diastolic blood pressure Z-scores (p < 0.05). Reduced lean body mass and endomorphic somatotypes were associated with lower muscle strength/functionality and sedentary lifestyles, particularly in children with PWS. These findings are relevant as early detection of deficits in muscle strength and functionality can ensure effective targeted treatments that optimize physical activity and prevent complications into adulthood.
