Comprehensive Gait Analysis and Kinetic Intervention for Overweight and Obese Children

Childhood obesity is a critical public health issue associated with biomechanical and functional impairments that influence gait and physical performance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a six-month personalized kinetic program on gait parameters and pelvic kinematics in overweight and obese children.

The prospective observational study included 100 children aged 8 to 15, divided into a study group (SG, n = 50) and a control group (CG, n = 50). The SG participated in a tailored kinetic program focusing on flexibility, strength, and coordination exercises, while the CG maintained their usual activities. The program consisted of 60 min sessions conducted three times per week over a six-month period. Gait parameters and pelvic symmetry indices were assessed using the BTS G-WALK system. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, under approval no. 38/1 March 2022.

Significant improvements were observed in the SG, with increases in cadence (steps/min), walking speed (m/s), and pelvic symmetry indices across all planes (sagittal, frontal, and transverse) (p < 0.0001). In contrast, no significant changes were observed in pelvic symmetry indices in the CG (p > 0.01). The Spearman correlation matrix and heatmaps highlighted a strong correlation between improved gait parameters and participation in the kinetic program (correlation coefficient over 0.45).

The findings demonstrate that a targeted kinetic program can significantly improve gait mechanics and pelvic kinematics in overweight and obese children. These results emphasize the importance of personalized exercise interventions in managing obesity-related gait abnormalities and improving functional mobility.