PURPOSE: We assessed the exercise tolerance and cardiorespiratory responses during 2-month weight-loss programmes using the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) in obese children. METHODS: Twenty-eight male obese children were randomly assigned to either a control group (C), an energy restriction group (R), an exercise training at maximum lipid-oxidation (LIPOXmax) group (E), or an energy restriction/training group (RE). The body composition, the submaximal incremental cycling exercise, and the 6MWT were performed before and after the 2-month programme. RESULTS: After the programme, RE group showed a significant improvement of body composition (body weight reduced by 6.3 +/- 1.5kg, p < 0.01), and an increase of 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) (+13.7%, p < 0.01). Similarly, maximum oxygen uptake calculated according to the American College of Science Medicine guideline (VO2max ACSM) and VO2max predicted from 6MWD were respectively higher (+12.9% and +10.0%, p < 0.01) than the R or E groups. Bland-Altman analysis highlighted an agreement of these two methods of VO2max measurement. Moreover, in all participants the 6MWD was significantly correlated with VO2max ACSM and LIPOXmax (r = 0.77, p < 0.001 and r = 0.67, p < 0.01; respectively) before the programme as well as their changes in percentage over the programme (r = 0.85 and r = 0.86, p < 0.0001; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that a 2-month weight-loss programme including energy restriction and exercise training targeted at LIPOXmax improved body composition and cardiorespiratory tolerance in obese children. Furthermore, the 6MWT could be considered as a useful and reliable tool for the assessment and the follow-up of cardiorespiratory responses during weight-loss programme in obese children.

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