Buffart, L. M., Roebroeck, M. E., Rol, M., Stam, H. J., & Van den Berg-Emons, R. (2008). Triad of physical activity, aerobic fitness and obesity in adolescents and young adults with myelomeningocele. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine (40),70-75.

This study focuses on assessing physical activity, aerobic fitness, and body fat in adolescents and young adults with myelomeningocele (spina bifida) and to investigate their relationships. A total of 51 males and females with varying degrees of physical abilities participated. Physical activity, aerobic fitness, and obesity were assessed. Physical activity was measured with an accelerometry-based activity monitor; aerobic fitness was calculated using a maximal cycle ergometry test; and obesity was assessed using sum of 4skin-folds and body mass index. Results showed that 39% of participants were inactive while the other 37% were extremely inactive; aerobic fitness was 42% lower than normative values and 35% were obese. Overall, results supported past studies expressing that people with disabilities are more physically inactive and have greater risks to experiencing health related problems. In this study, adolescents and young adults with this type of spina bifida (myelomeningocele) were physically inactive and showed low aerobic fitness levels and high body fat.

To read this entire abstract, please go to http://www.ncpad.org/757/3999/Aerobic~Fitness~and~Obesity~in~Adolescents~and~Young~
Adults~with~Spina~Bifida.