Influence of weight classification on children stepping over obstacles

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2012 Jul;91(7):625-30. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e31824fa81e.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate how weight classification relates to meeting task constraints. Using a cross-sectional design, three-dimensional motion data were collected while children crossed obstacles of various heights. Twelve normal-weight (≥5th and <85th percentile on growth charts) and 12 overweight or obese (≥85th percentile on growth charts) 4- to 13-yr-olds participated. During obstacle crossing, children who were overweight or obese took longer to reach maximum knee height and to achieve foot contact (all P = 0.04). Normal-weight children landed flat-footed after obstacle crossing whereas overweight and obese children landed heel first (P = 0.04). Children had higher coefficients of variation for ankle position at heel contact after crossing medium obstacles (P = 0.02). Slower rates of obstacle crossing and landing heel first after crossing obstacles could be behind higher risks of falls for children who are overweight or obese.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Gait / physiology
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • Overweight / physiopathology*
  • Time Factors
  • Walking / physiology*