Exercise Guidelines for Enhancing Mobility and Stability in Individuals with Severe Obesity

Area of Science:

• Exercise Science
• Obesity Research
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Severe obesity often leads to joint mobility issues and chronic pain, reducing quality of life and independence.
• Exercise is beneficial for severe obesity management, but adherence is low due to physical limitations and discomfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify physical limitations in severe obesity and propose accessible, evidence-based exercise interventions.
• To review existing literature on exercise's impact on mobility, stability, and pain in severely obese individuals.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
• Included ten studies on exercise interventions for mobility, stability, and pain in severe obesity.
• Analyzed findings on low-impact modalities like yoga, core training, and stabilization exercises.

Main Results:

• Low-impact exercises significantly improve mobility, enhance postural stability, and reduce musculoskeletal pain within 4 weeks.
• Core muscle stretching and instability-based training showed particular effectiveness in improving functional outcomes and balance.
• Exercise interventions are feasible in clinical and home settings.

Conclusions:

• Severe obesity presents significant musculoskeletal and neuromuscular challenges, with core musculature playing a key role.
• Accessible, low-complexity exercise strategies can effectively improve physical function and reduce pain.
• Recommendations support sustainable physical activity engagement for individuals with severe obesity.