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Neuromusculoskeletal Health in Pediatric Obesity: Incorporating Evidence into Clinical Examination
Grace C O'Malley1,2, Sarah P Shultz3, David Thivel4
1School of Physiotherapy, Division of Population Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland. graceomalley@rcsi.ie.
Insights
Children with obesity often have neuromusculoskeletal impairments affecting movement and physical activity. Early assessment and tailored management are crucial for their overall health and weight management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric obesity
- Neuromusculoskeletal health
- Physical activity
Background:
- Children with obesity frequently experience neuromusculoskeletal impairments.
- These impairments can lead to pain, reduced strength, balance issues, and altered gait.
- Neuromusculoskeletal health is integral to a child's movement, physical activity engagement, and overall development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the clinical significance of assessing and managing neuromusculoskeletal health in pediatric obesity.
- To promote the integration of evidence-based practices into clinical settings for managing pediatric obesity.
- To support healthcare professionals in optimizing obesity treatment through neuromusculoskeletal care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current evidence on neuromusculoskeletal health in pediatric obesity.
- Analysis of the impact of impairments on physical activity and development.
- Guidance on screening, assessment, and intervention strategies.
Main Results:
- Children with obesity commonly exhibit neuromusculoskeletal impairments, including pain, weakness, and balance deficits.
- These impairments significantly affect motor skills, gait, posture, and fatigue levels.
- Addressing neuromusculoskeletal issues is vital to minimize movement barriers and encourage physical activity.
Conclusions:
- Screening for and managing neuromusculoskeletal impairments should be a standard part of pediatric obesity care.
- Personalized interventions and modified exercise programs are necessary for effective obesity treatment.
- Further research is needed to understand the bidirectional relationship between neuromusculoskeletal health and obesity treatment outcomes.
Purpose Of Review:
The study aims to highlight the clinical importance of assessing and managing neuromusculoskeletal health in pediatric obesity and to support translation of evidence into practice.
Recent Findings:
A growing evidence base suggests that children with obesity experience neuromusculoskeletal impairments and physical complications including increased pain, reduced muscle strength, impaired balance and motor skill, gait deviations, postural malalignment, greater fatigue, and potentially reduced flexibility and sub-optimal bone health. Such evidence supports the need to screen, assess, and optimize neuromusculoskeletal health as part of pediatric obesity management. The likelihood of children with obesity experiencing neuromusculoskeletal impairments is high and can impact the way a child moves, and their interest or capacity to engage in physical activity and exercise. Barriers to movement should be minimized to promote optimal development of the neuromusculoskeletal system and to support engagement in sufficient physical activity for weight management. Healthcare professionals should screen for neuromusculoskeletal impairments as well as personalize interventions and modify standardized exercise interventions to optimize obesity treatment. Further research should explore whether neuromusculoskeletal impairments influence the success of obesity treatment or whether they improve following obesity treatment.
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