Maximal work capacity in prepubescent obese and nonobese females

Measurements of cardiorespiratory function during an incremental treadmill test were compared in 15 obese (OB) prepubescent girls, 7 to 12 years old, and in 15 age-matched, nonobese (NOB) controls. Open circuit calorimetry was used for data collection during the progressive work test. Maximal oxygen consumption indexed for weight was significantly lower in the obese group of girls (23.0 +/- 3.9 ml/kg/min) than in the nonobese controls (36.7 +/- 0.9 ml/kg/min). In addition, exercise tolerance was longer in the nonobese group, albeit not statistically significant. In conclusion, diminished cardiopulmonary performance and attenuated exercise tolerance in prepubescent obese females in the current investigation seemed to be influenced by excess body weight.