This study determined exercise responses in youth with Prader-Willi Syndrome and compared those responses to children with and without obesity. In addition, this project obtained logistical background and relevant information about exercise preferences to plan exercise strategies in youth with PWS. This project is carried out in collaboration with Dr. Susan Clark from the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA.
"Prader-Willi Syndrome is the most commonly known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity. This genetic disorder occurs, typically, with a deficiency in the region of the chromosome 15 affecting appetite regulation, metabolism, cognitive function and behavior."
-Prader-Willi Syndrome Association USA
The results of this study have been published. Please see publications.
Partial results of this study have been published. Please see publications.
Parents of youth with PWS (n=24) were prompted with questions about: current physical activity habits, beliefs about physical activity/exercise, the role of physical activity/exercise as therapy for the child who has PWS, preferences for specific types of exercise programs for the child with PWS, and the factors that encourage or interfere with the child participating in physical activity/exercise programs. Answers from the focus groups were used to plan the ACTIVE PLAY AT HOME INTERVENTION.
Participants were asked to complete a mail-in survey and provide documentation that one of their children was diagnosed with PWS. Participants reported physical activity habits, preferences for exercise programming, and barriers and motivators for physical activity. See publication.
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