Impact of Body Mass Index on Coordination, Static and Dynamic Balance in Young Adults: A Case-control Study
YC14-YC18
Correspondence
Dr. Manish Kumar,
Associate Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, SoHAS, G D Goenka University, Gurugram-122103, Haryana, India.
E-mail: mkumar.physio@gmail.com
Introduction: Abnormal Body Mass Index (BMI), characterised by a higher percentage of fat mass, has notable effects on postural control, leading to a forward shift in posture that exceeds the Base Of Support (BOS) boundary due to increased segmental mass and a compromised ability to regain stability after a disruption caused by excess adiposity.
Aim: To investigate the potential impact of BMI on the coordination, static balance and dynamic balance of young adults.
Materials and Methods: The present case-control study was conducted in the Department of Physiotherapy, School of Healthcare and Allied Sciences (SoHAS), G D Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana, India from November 2023 to April 2024. Study was conducted among 90 subjects from the Delhi-NCR region, aged between 18 years and 30 years and including both genders, were recruited. They were categorised into three groups based on Asian Pacific BMI classifications: 29 subjects in the normal weight group (BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m2), 26 subjects in the overweight group (BMI 23-24.9 kg/m2), and 35 subjects in the obese group (BMI >25 kg/m2). Body composition, balance tests and coordination tests were assessed for all subjects. The p-value and F-values were calculated to assess group differences using the One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method, indicating significant results (p-value<0.01) for static and dynamic balance as well as coordination tests. Subsequently, post-hoc tests were conducted to explore specific differences among the groups.
Results: The mean ages of the normal weight, overweight and obese groups were 22.10±2.38 years, 21.77±2.90 years and 21.91±2.38 years, respectively. The mean BMI of the normal weight, overweight and obese groups were 20.23±1.30 kg/m2, 23.99±0.68 kg/m2 and 29.69±3.09 kg/m2, respectively. The ANOVA single factor test showed a significant difference between the normal weight, overweight and obese groups in the Single Leg Standing (SLS) test with opened and closed eyes on each leg for static balance; in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for dynamic balance; and in sidewalking, tandem walking, and heel walking for coordination at p-value<0.05. The post-hoc test showed a significant difference in all the parameters for overweight and obese groups in comparison to the normal weight group at p-value<0.016.
Conclusion: Abnormal BMI affects both static and dynamic balance along with coordination in young adults. Therefore, preventive measures should be considered to normalize BMI to prevent coordination and balance issues in overweight and obese young adults.