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Effects of a Program for Improving Biomechanical Characteristics During Walking and Running in Children Who Are Obese
Nili Steinberg1, Meron Rubinstein, Dan Nemet
1The Wingate College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences (Drs Steinberg, Rubinstein, Ayalon, and Zeev), Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel; Child Health and Sport Center (Drs Nemet, Pantanowitz, and Eliakim), Pediatric Department, Meir Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Department of Oral Biology (Dr Brosh), School of Dental Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Insights
A weight-reduction program with locomotion-emphasis exercises significantly improved biomechanical characteristics in obese children. This multidisciplinary approach enhanced foot pressure and temporal parameters, supporting its benefits for movement in children with obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric obesity management
- Biomechanics of locomotion
- Childhood physical activity and health
Background:
- Childhood obesity presents significant health challenges.
- Obesity negatively impacts biomechanical characteristics and movement patterns in children.
- Multidisciplinary interventions are crucial for managing pediatric obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a weight-reduction program incorporating locomotion-emphasis exercises on obese children's biomechanical features.
- To compare the effectiveness of a standard multidisciplinary program versus one with added locomotion focus.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month multidisciplinary program was implemented.
- Group 1 (GRP1) received standard care; Group 2 (GRP2) received additional locomotion-emphasis exercises.
- A control group received no intervention. Anthropometric, temporal, and foot pressure parameters were measured.
Main Results:
- Group 2 (GRP2) demonstrated significant improvements in foot pressure across various walking/running speeds compared to Group 1 (GRP1).
- Temporal gait parameters showed significant improvements in Group 2 (GRP2) compared to Group 1 (GRP1).
Conclusions:
- Combined dietary and locomotion-emphasis exercises positively influence movement characteristics in obese children.
- Locomotion-focused interventions can enhance biomechanical outcomes in pediatric weight management programs.
- Evidence supports the integration of targeted physical activity for improving gait in children with obesity.
Purpose:
To investigate the influence of a weight-reduction program with locomotion-emphasis on improving biomechanical characteristics of children who are obese (OW).
Methods:
Ten children who are OW participated in a 6-month multidisciplinary childhood obesity management program (GRP1); another 10 children who are OW participated in the same multidisciplinary childhood obesity management program with additional locomotion-emphasis exercises for improving biomechanical characteristics (GRP2); and 10 control children who are OW with no intervention program. Outcomes were anthropometric measurements and temporal and foot pressure parameters.
Results:
GRP2 had significantly improved foot pressure in the different walking/running speeds compared with GRP1. In the temporal parameters, pretests by speed by group interactions were significantly improved for GRP2 compared with GRP1.
Conclusions:
We found evidence to support beneficial effects of combined dietary and physical activity/locomotion-emphasis exercises on the movement characteristics of children who are OW.
