Through clinical studies we have sought to better understand the relationship between obesity/body composition, cardiovascular fitness, and the development of insulin resistance in children. This work began in children with a genetic form of obesity, Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).
Body Composition in Healthy Obese Children
Much of our current research with nutritionists and exercise physiologists focuses on studies of healthy children and the effect of fitness training on body composition and insulin sensitivity. We have previously worked with high-risk groups such as Native American children (Ho-Chunk Youth Fitness project), and also in school settings. Working with the school districts is an important component of developing translational clinical research on fitness in children. This has led to studies to determine whether a diabetes risk-assessment tool can be developed from school-based assessments.
Pediatric Fitness Through Schools
We have partnered with the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to develop a statewide fitness assessment and database for schools across Wisconsin. We have also worked with individual school districts, and after-school programs.
Pediatric Fitness Assessment
We continue to work to test methods in our Exercise Science Lab for non-invasive methods to test cardiovascular fitness and body composition in children and adolescents. We continue to look for new ways to not only assess these changes in school environments, but also to actively promote physical activity in school environments and outside of clinical settings.
Research News
Celebrating National Doctors’ Day: Department members receive heartfelt appreciation messages
In honor of National Doctors’ Day, celebrated each year on March 30, UW Health gathered messages of gratitude from patients, families, and coworkers to share with its outstanding faculty members. Department of Pediatrics providers received …
June 10, 2024Aaron Carrel and research team receive grant to validate methods of quantifying liver fat in children at risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Aaron Carrel, MD, professor, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, joins Ivan M. Rosado-Mendez, PhD, and Andrew Wentland, MD, both assistant professors in the Department of Medical Physics, and Diego Hernando, PhD, associate professor in the …
February 16, 2024What We Published In May 2020
Al Dhaheri N, Wu N, Zhao S, Wu Z, Blank RD, Zhang J, Raggio C, Halanski M, Shen J, Noonan K, Qiu G, Nemeth B, Sund S, Dunwoodie SL, Chapman G, Glurich I, Steiner RD, Wohler …
June 24, 2020Pediatrics Research Week 2020 Abstract Book Now Available
The Pediatrics Research Week 2020 Abstract Book is now available. University of Wisconsin Department of Pediatrics faculty, staff, fellows and residents submitted over 50 research abstracts for the virtual conference, which is taking place May 26-29, 2020. …
May 21, 2020What We Published in April 2020
1. Ascierto PA, Fox B, Urba W, Anderson AC, Atkins MB, Borden EC, Brahmer J, Butterfield LH, Cesano A, Chen D, de Gruijl T, Dillman RO, Drake CG, Emens LA, Gajewski TF, Gulley JL, Stephen …
May 4, 2020- More News...