Impact of the Traditional Game “Otsongui” (Apnea) on Spirometric and Cardiovascular Parameters, and Body Composition in Overweight and Obese School Children — Oak Academic Publishing
Research ArticleOpen AccessGoogle Scholar indexed
Impact of the Traditional Game “Otsongui” (Apnea) on Spirometric and Cardiovascular Parameters, and Body Composition in Overweight and Obese School Children
Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics (LPEB), Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports (ISEPS), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
,
Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics (LPEB), Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports (ISEPS), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
,
Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics (LPEB), Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports (ISEPS), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
,
Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics (LPEB), Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports (ISEPS), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
,
Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics (LPEB), Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports (ISEPS), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
,
Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics, Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
1 Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics (LPEB), Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports (ISEPS), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
2 Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics (LPEB), Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports (ISEPS), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
3 Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics (LPEB), Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports (ISEPS), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
4 Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics (LPEB), Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports (ISEPS), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
5 Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics (LPEB), Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports (ISEPS), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
6 Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics, Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
Otsongui “apnea game” is practiced in an extracurricular context on the health of overweight and obese schoolchildren. The experiment was based on a 12-week program applied to a sample of 60 overweight and obese students (mean age: 18 years), randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG), each composed of 30 participants. Assessments were carried out on spirometric, cardiovascular, and body composition parameters, using a spirometer, the modified Luc Léger test, and an impedance meter. The results reveal significant improvements in the students of the experimental group: reduction in BMI (29.43 ± 1.18 vs 27.44 ± 0.17), respiratory function (FEV1: 75.90 ± 3.42 vs 84.90 ± 3.42; FEF75: 0.71 ± 0.39 vs 1.22 ± 0.39), improvement in time in the specific apnea test (58.01 ± 0.07 vs 72.20 ± 0.08), increase in VO 2max (24.48 ± 3.15 vs 38.46 ± 3.12) and improvement in body composition (increase in muscle mass, decrease in fat mass, and improvement in water mass). These results highlight the value of traditional aquatic physical activities, such as the “otsongui” game, in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and combating a sedentary lifestyle among young people. It is therefore recommended to encourage their practice in an educational or family setting.
Alongo, Y.R.G., Moussouami, I.S., Mabounda Kounga, P.R., Obela Ibata, G.E. and Itoua Onianguet Ossoba, K. (2024) Effects of Playing Lipato on Body Composition in High School Students. Editions Francophones Universitaires d’Afrique.
Bond, B., Cockcroft, E.J., Williams, C.A. and Barker, A.R. (2017) High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Oxygen Consumption in Adolescents. Med icine and Science in Sports and Exercise , 49, 259-265.
Damian, M., Oltean, A. and Damian, C. (2018) The Impact of Sedentary Behavior on Health and the Need for Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents. Revista Romaneasca Pentru Educatie Multidimensionala , 10, 71-83. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/19
Camargo, V.S.d. and Vara, M.d.F.F. (2020) Development of Human Motricity in Physical Education Classes as Pedagogical Strategies. Revista Científica Multidisciplinar Núcleo do Conhecimento , 8, 131-148. https://www.nucleodoconhecimento.com.br/education-physics-en/human-motricity
Cocteau, J. (2013) The Body and Fatigue. Éditions du Seuil.
Dixon, A.E. and Peters, U. (2018) The Effect of Obesity on Lung Function. Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine , 12, 755-767. https://doi.org/10.1080/17476348.2018.1506331
Engel, F.A., Ackermann, A., Chtourou, H. and Sperlich, B. (2018) High-Intensity Interval Training Performed by Young Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Physiology , 9, Article 1012. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.01012
Jones, T., Reynolds, M. and Smith, A. (2024) Effects of Combined Resistance and Aerobic Training on Body Composition and Lung Function in Obese Adults. Journal of Exercise Phys iology , 28, 203-218.
Bouchard, C. and Shephard, R.J. (2020) Physical Activity, Fitness, and Health: International Proceedings and Consensus Statement. Human Kinetics Publishers.
Zhao, N., Wu, F., Peng, J., Zheng, Y., Tian, H., Yang, H., et al . (2022) Impaired versus Preserved Spirometry Is Associated with Small Airway Dysfunction and Reduced Total Lung Capacity. Respiratory Research , 23, Article No. 298.
Reyes-Amigo, T., Palmeira, A., Martins, C., Carrasco-Beltrán, H., Gomez-Mazorra, M., Soto-Sanchez, J., et al . (2022) Effectiveness of High-Intensity Games versus Moderate-Intensity Games on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Anthropometric Variables in Children. Advances in Physical Education , 12, 60-74. https://doi.org/10.4236/ape.2022.121005
Zhou, J., Sun, W., Tang, S., Jiang, D., Tan, B., Li, S., et al . (2025) Effects of Exercise Interventions on Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Adolescent Health , 76, 361-369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.09.017
WHO (World Health Organization) (2014) Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health. World Health Organization.
Léger, L. and Boucher, R. (1980) An Indirect Continuous Running Multistage Field Test: The Unisersité de Montréal Track Test. Canadian Journal of Applied Sports Sciences , 5, 77-84.
Martinez, L., Dupont, C. and Bello, F. (2024) Physical Exercise and Body Composition Improvement in School-Aged Children: A Comparative Study of Aquatic and Land-Based Programs. International Journal of Pediatric Sports Science , 10, 89-102.
Martin-Smith, R., Buchan, D.S. and Baker, J.S. (2020) High-Intensity Training and Adolescent Health: A Systematic Review. Journal of Sports Sciences , 38, 205-217.
McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I. and Katch, V.L. (2010) Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy & Human Performance. 7th Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I. and Katch, V.L. (2014) Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and Human Performance. 8th Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Ndione, M.H. (2021) Physical Activity, Mental Health and Well-Being. African Journ al of Physical Education , 15, 113-127.
Reilly, J.J. (2008) COPD and Declining FEV 1 —Time to Divide and Conquer? New England Journal of Medicine , 359, 1616-1618. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejme0807387
Moro, T., Marcolin, G., Bianco, A., Bolzetta, F., Berton, L., Sergi, G., et al . (2020) Effects of 6 Weeks of Traditional Resistance Training or High Intensity Interval Resistance Training on Body Composition, Aerobic Power and Strength in Healthy Young Subjects: A Randomized Parallel Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 17, Article 4093. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114093
Morrow, S.E., Campbell, J. and Harris, D. (2023) The Effects of Physical Activity on Body Composition and Lung Function in Obese Children. Journal of Pediatric Exercise Science , 15, 142-148.
Yang, L., Cao, C., Kantor, E.D., Nguyen, L.H., Zheng, X., Park, Y., et al . (2019) Trends in Sedentary Behavior among the US Population, 2001-2016. JAMA , 321, 1587-1597. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.3636
Mazic, S., Lazovic, B., Djelic, M., Suzic-Lazic, J., Djordjevic-Saranovic, S., Durmic, T., et al . (2015) Respiratory Parameters in Elite Athletes—Does Sport Have an Influence? Revista Portuguesa de Pneumologia ( English Edition ), 21, 192-197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rppnen.2014.12.003
Lopez, R., Montoya, C. and Ruiz, F. (2024) Significant Decrease in Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF75) after Physical Exercise in Children: A Respiratory Recovery Study. Respiratory Review Pediatric , 42, 220-230.