[Evaluation of physical activity in obese individuals]

Dynamic exercise is the optimal form of spending leisure time and forms the contents of the majority of children's games. It is a risk to restrict (or enforce) physical activity in particular on young children. This pertains also to obese children where the regulation of the ratio energy input: energy output is one of the therapeutic components.

The authors investigated physical activity during spontaneous activity in a group of 36 obese subjects, 20 non-obese controls and 41 comparable subjects aged 8-16 years (with the exception of a group of 13-14-years-olds the obese children were taller than the control group). Assessment by concealed camera. Children had a varied selection of gymnastic apparatuses and other activities. Concurrently the heart rate was recorded (by a Sport-Tester Pollar, evaluated by Sony equipment). Everything was rated as active movement with the exception of the standing, sitting or recumbent position. The examiners did not interfere with the physical activity. The assembled values confirm the basic need of activity in relation to age and the important role of elevated body weight. The latter was the reason why, while less time was spent for exercise (chronometer), the heart rate of obese subjects did not differ significantly from that of the control group during spontaneous physical activity and during a 3-minute run.

Controlled physical activity must always respect the total burdening with excessive body weight as well as the physical action of overweight. Physical activity of young subjects with a higher body weight is in relation to needs of exercise of the given age group and to their total body weight.