The effect of the use of a physical-activity mobile application on body composition and sleep quality of overweight children

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use of a mobile physical activity application and its influence on body composition and sleep quality in overweight children. METHODS: Prospective study with 37 patients from the Child and Adolescent Obesity Clinic at Unicamp Hospital das Clínicas, between 2018 and 2019. Anamnesis and anthropometry were performed. We oriented the use of the application for six weeks, five days/week for ten minutes. RESULTS: Among 37 patients, 28 (mean age 10.7±2.0 years, 50% boys) used the application. The average use of the application ranged from 1.93±2.18 to 3.25±1.84 times/week, with a peak in the second week and a progressive decrease during follow-up. The paired t-test showed, on average, lean mass (t (27)=-2.91), weight (t (27)=-3.11) and height (t (27)=-3.79). After using the application, these were higher than before (all p<0.05). There was a significant difference in the proportion of children who presented difficulty sleeping (χ2 (1)=5.143) and insomnia (χ2 (1)=4.167). CONCLUSIONS: There was an improvement in sleep quality and an increase in lean mass, but no significant changes in BMI z-score, waist circumference, and body fat percentage.