Effects of a 2-year lifestyle intervention on physical activity in overweight and obese children

Abstract The aim was to examine the effect on physical activity of a 2-year family-based lifestyle intervention among overweight and obese Swedish children 8–12 years of age; 105 children were randomized to either intervention or control group. The intervention group was offered a 2-year lifestyle programme. Physical activity was measured using SenseWear Pro2 Armband during 4 consecutive days before and after the intervention. When comparing the intervention and control groups, no significant differences were found in the physical activity outcome variables after 2 years of intervention. However, the intervention group decreased their number of steps per day by 13%, p = 0.003 but had an unchanged screen time, whereas the control group had an unchanged number of steps but increased their screen time by 15%, p = 0.02, from baseline to 2-year measurement. There were no significant change in the intervention group, whereas significantly fewer children in the control group achieved the physical activity recommendations at 2-year measurement (88%) compared with at baseline (98%), p = 0.007. Future interventions regarding physical activity among overweight and obese children are of great importance even though the present one showed limited effects. In the continuing work, a greater effect may be received with an extended and more intense intervention regarding physical activity, focusing on reducing sedentary time rather than increasing the physical activity level.