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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Musculoskeletal pain in overweight and obese children
S M Smith1, B Sumar2, K A Dixon2
11] Family and Community Health Research Group, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia [2] Centre for Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Imperial College, Chelsea and Westminster Campus, London, UK.
Insights
Overweight and obese children frequently experience musculoskeletal pain, impacting their physical function and quality of life. This pain may create a cycle of weight gain and reduced activity in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Obesity Research
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Musculoskeletal pain is a significant concern in pediatric populations.
- Overweight and obesity are increasingly prevalent in children, potentially exacerbating pain conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a current overview of musculoskeletal pain in overweight and obese children.
- To identify key themes and impacts of this pain on affected children.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases for studies published between 2000 and 2012.
- Inclusion criteria were applied to 97 initially identified records, with 10 studies selected for thematic analysis.
- A narrative thematic approach was used for data analysis due to outcome measure heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- Three primary themes emerged: bone deformity/dysfunction, pain reporting, and the impact of excess weight on physical activity and quality of life.
- Overweight and obesity in children are linked to chronic pain, reduced physical functioning, and decreased quality of life.
- A cycle of weight gain and reduced physical activity may be perpetuated by chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Conclusions:
- Overweight and obese children are susceptible to chronic musculoskeletal pain, affecting their physical functioning and overall well-being.
- The interplay between obesity, pain, and reduced activity creates a detrimental cycle impacting children's quality of life.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term consequences for children experiencing chronic pain related to overweight and obesity.
Abstract:
This review seeks to provide a current overview of musculoskeletal pain in overweight and obese children. Databases searched were Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Medline, Proquest Health and Medical Complete, Scopus, Google Scholar, SPORTDiscuss and Trove for studies published between 1 January 2000 and 30 December 2012. We used a broad definition of children within a 3- to 18-year age range. The search strategy included the following terms: obesity, morbid obesity, overweight, pain, musculoskeletal pain, child, adolescent, chronic pain, back pain, lower back pain, knee pain, hip pain, foot pain and pelvic pain. Two authors independently assessed each record, and any disagreement was resolved by the third author. Data were analysed using a narrative thematic approach owing to the heterogeneity of reported outcome measures. Ninety-seven records were initially identified using a variety of terms associated with children, obesity and musculoskeletal pain. Ten studies were included for thematic analysis when predetermined inclusion criteria were applied. Bone deformity and dysfunction, pain reporting and the impact of children being overweight or obese on physical activity, exercise and quality of life were the three themes identified from the literature. Chronic pain, obesity and a reduction in physical functioning and activity may contribute to a cycle of weight gain that affects a child's quality of life. Future studies are required to examine the sequela of overweight and obese children experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain.
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