Effect of a diet program and aerobic exercise in class II and class III obese children with chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Introduction. Obesity is a significant factor in the development of numerous chronic kidney diseases. Chronic kidney disease reduces exercise capacity and muscle strength, which is suggested to improve through exercise. The study investigated the effect of a diet program and aerobic exercises in obese children with chronic kidney disease. Methods. Thirty children of both sexes aged 12–16 years with class II or class III obesity in accordance with body mass index (BMI) and first 2 stages of chronic kidney disease were selected from Paediatric Nephrology Unit, Cairo University. They were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups. The control group received routine medical treatment (blood pressure control, treatment of hyperlipidaemia, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The experimental group received routine medical treatment in addition to a diet program and aerobic exercises 3 times per week for 3 months. Blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, urine albumin, sodium, potassium, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides were evaluated before and after treatment in both groups. Results. There were significant differences between the mean pre- and post-treatment parameters of kidney function, lipid profile, and BMI within each group (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in the mean parameters of kidney function, lipid profile, and BMI between the 2 groups after treatment in favour of the experimental group (p < 0.05). Conclusions. As the experimental group showed more positive results, the diet control program and aerobic exercise had a positive effect in class II and class III obese children with chronic kidney disease.