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.
Lab News
27 Pediatrics Faculty Awarded Top Teacher for 2018 – 2019
Each year, teachers are awarded based on evaluations from medical students and residents. Congratulations to the following faculty: David Allen, MD Awni Al-Subu, MD Tom Brazelton, MD, MPH Aaron Carrel, MD Paula Cody, MD, MPH …
December 6, 2019Pediatrics Faculty Present at Annual Midwest Society for Pediatric Research Meeting
The Midwest Society for Pediatric Research (MSPR) held its annual meeting at Lurie Children’s Hospital last week and the UW-Madison Department of Pediatrics was well represented. Members from all levels of the UW-Madison Department of …
October 30, 2019Laura Tetri, PhD, Awarded ICTR-MSTP Pilot Award
Congratulations to Laura Tetri, PhD, and mentors Jennifer Rehm, MD and Aaron Carrel, MD, for their recent UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research-Medical Scientist Training Program (ICTR-MSTP) Pilot Award. This $10,000, one-year grant, for …
May 1, 2018Elizabeth Petty, MD, and Aaron Carrel, MD, Awarded Wisconsin Partnership Program Funding
Congratulations to Elizabeth Petty, MD (Principal Investigator) and Aaron Carrel, MD (Co-Investigator) for funding of their grant entitled, “Engaging Clinicians in Online Social Learning to Close Knowledge Gaps in Community Health: Pilot Focus on Obesity …
February 1, 2016Dr. Michael MacDonald and His Co-Investigators Receive Competitive Renewal Diabetes Training and Research Grant
Program Director, Michael MacDonald, MD, and Associate Directors, David Allen, MD, Aaron Carrel, MD, and Ellen Wald, MD recently received the competitive renewal of their “Childhood Diabetes Clinical and Molecular Research Training (CDCMRT) Program”, a …
June 1, 2014- More News...