Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
Effects of obesity on balance and gait alterations in young adults
Aparna Sarkar1, Meenakshi Singh, Nitesh Bansal
1Amity Institute of Physiotherapy, Amity Campus, K-block, Sector-44, Noida, U.P. dr_aparna_sarkar@yahoo.co.in
Abstract:
The effects of obesity on the balance and gait parameters like step width and foot angle (degree of toe out) in young adults were studied. 60 subjects of both the genders were taken. 30 were taken as a control group (non-obese, BMI < 25) and 30 were taken as experimental group (obese, BMI 30 >). Functional Reach Test (FRT) was used for Balance Testing and the Footprint method was used for Gait parameters measurements. The value of functional reach test in females was 11.90 +/- 0.12 inches in control group and 7.01 +/- 1.80 inches in experimental group (t = 5.31, P < 0.001) and in males, it was 16.45 +/- 0.72 inches in control and 11.66 +/- 0.53 inches in experimental group (t = 6.47, P < 0.001). The degree of toe out in females was 6.66 +/- 0.08 degrees for control and 8.13 +/- 0.21 degrees for experimental group (t = 4.08, P < 0.01) and in males, it was 6.59 +/- 0.04 for control and 9.79 +/- 0.51 for experimental group (t = 6.53, P < 0.001). The step width was found to be 4.41 +/- 0.15 inches (control group) and 6.27 +/- 0.35 inches (experimental) in males (t = 4.53, P < 0.01) and it was 3.95 +/- 0.03 inches (control) and 3.42 +/- 1.05 inches (experimental) in females (t = 0.77, P > 0.05). We concluded that obesity has a negative impact on balance of an individual. The degree of toe out was more in obese group as compared to normal BMI group in both genders. The Step Width measurement was more in males of obese group than that in males of normal BMI group but it showed statistically insignificant when compared in females of both groups.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Obesity
Homeostatic Imbalance
However, sometimes these feedback loops fail,...
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...

