Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Total Energy Expenditure And Body Composition Of Children With Developmental Disabilities, Michele L. Polfuss, Kathleen J. Sawin, Paula E. Papanek, Linda Bandini, Bethany Forseth, Andrea Moosreiner, Kimberley Zvara, Dale A. Schoeller

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Obesity prevalence is increased in children with developmental disabilities, specifically in children with spina bifida and Down syndrome. Energy expenditure, a critical aspect of weight management, has been extensively studied in the typically developing population, but not adequately studied in children with developmental disabilities.

Objective

Determine energy expenditure, fat-free mass and body fat percentile and the impact of these findings on recommended caloric intake in children with spina bifida and Down syndrome.

Methods/Measures

This pilot study included 36 children, 18 with spina bifida, 9 with Down syndrome and 9 typically developing children. Half of the children with spina bifida …

Determining Intensity Levels Of Selected Wii Fit Activities In College Aged Individuals, Joshua D. Griese, Yong Gao, Lynda Ransdell, Shawn R. Simonson

Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

To determine intensity of Nintendo Wii Fit games using indirect calorimetry. Twenty-five college students completed Wii Fit activity sessions at two difficulty levels within aerobics, strength, and yoga categories. Resting metabolic rate and exercise VO₂ were measured and metabolic equivalents (METs) were calculated. Measured METs and calculated METs ranged from 2.30 ± .42 and 2.44 ± .38 for Yoga to 5.73 ± 1.36 and 6.04 ± 1.09 for aerobics, respectively. All selected Wii Fit activity intensities were significantly higher than resting, p < .001; aerobic and strength activities met the moderate intensity threshold (3 METs, p < .001), yoga activities did not (p < .005); aerobic and yoga activities of medium difficulty were more intense than the corresponding easy-rated activities (p < .005). There were no statistical differences between measured and calculated METs. Wii Fit has potential as an effective tool for helping college-age individuals increase their PA.