Controlled Evaluation of an Exercise Program for Overweight Adolescents

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, BASEL, SWITZERLAND · Apr 4, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of two exercise programs, called now! and now!+, designed for overweight adolescents. The goal is to help young people become more active, improve their physical health, and boost their mental well-being. The programs are structured to include fun group activities, strength training, and endurance exercises, all tailored to meet the needs of each participant. By encouraging regular physical activity, the researchers hope to support healthier lifestyles and improve overall quality of life for these young individuals.

To be eligible for the study, participants should be overweight (with a Body Mass Index above the 90th percentile for their age and gender) and have some challenges with motivation or movement skills. They should be generally healthy and able to communicate any discomfort. During the program, participants will join weekly sessions for a year, which includes assessments like measuring height and weight, fitness tests, and tracking their activity with a small device. The trial is not yet recruiting but aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for adolescents to get fitter and feel more confident.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • BMI above the 90th percentile for their age and gender (WHO reference table)
• • Deficits in movement motivation and motor skills
• • No health complaints or movement-restricting conditions
• • No health risks for maximal exertion
• • Ability to verbally communicate pain or discomfort
• • Unremarkable PAR-Q questionnaire
• • Signed parental consent form
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Acute or chronic illness
• • Inability to follow the study procedures (e.g., language barriers, psychological disorders)