Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Tehran university
2 Faculty of Sports Sciences and Health, University of Tehran
Abstract
Childhood obesity is a growing concern, linked to increased health risks in adulthood. While exercise is known to be beneficial, limited research compares the impact of traditional exercise routines and sports games on health outcomes.
Methods: This semi-experimental study involved 15 overweight boys (average age 9.5 years) divided into three groups:
Sports Games: Engaged in aerobic activity-based games (3 sessions/week, covering 2000 meters per session).
Traditional Exercise: Performed standard aerobic exercise routines (3 sessions/week).
Control: No intervention.
Blood samples were collected before and after the four-week intervention period to assess lipid profiles (blood fat levels).
Findings: Both exercise groups (games and traditional) experienced significant improvements in their lipid profiles. There were reductions in cholesterol, LDL ("bad" cholesterol), and triglycerides, while HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels increased. Interestingly, the reductions in cholesterol and LDL, and the increase in HDL, were more pronounced in the traditional exercise group. However, the sports games group showed a greater decrease in triglycerides.
Conclusion: This study suggests that both traditional exercise and sports games based on aerobic activity can lead to positive changes in health markers for overweight boys. While specific exercise methods may have slightly different effects on some lipid levels, incorporating any form of physical activity appears beneficial for improving cardiovascular health in this population.
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