The role of physical activity on postural stability and fitness characteristics in pediatric patients with GH deficiency

Abstract

Patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) show low fitness levels before GH treatment is started. Muscular strength, flexibility and postural stability are related to health and quality of life. Since it is widely recognized that physical activity increases GH secretion and GH could ameliorate fitness, if a high adherence to treatment is documented, the purpose of this study is to investigate any difference on posturographic parameters and muscular features in physically active children with GHD, treated with GH with a high adherence to the treatment, and compared with sedentary pediatric patients.