Effect of Obesity on Balance Control in Adolescent Females

Background: Obesity may affect musculoskeletal, locomotor system and quality of life in adolescent females.

Aim: The study was conducted to detect the effect of obesity on balance control in adolescent females.

Methods: Cross section study, sixty adolescent females were selected from faculty of physical therapy, Kafr elsheikh University. Their ages ranged from 15 to 19 years old. Group A, 30 subjects with normal body weight, body mass index (BMI <25 kg/m2) and group B, 30 obese subjects BMI ranged from 30-40 kg/m2. Balance measured by Biodex Balance System (measuring dynamic balance parameter; overall (OA), anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) stability index scores).

Results: The mean scores of OA, AP and ML in group B were significantly higher in group B (P <.05) than group A.

Conclusion: The study proved that adolescent obese females have poor balance control compared to non-obese group. We concluded that obesity has a negative impact on balance control of young adult obese female.