Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background:In general, a high body mass index (BMI) has no detrimental effects on the locomotor system; nonetheless, obesity is linked to a higher risk of falls and subsequent injuries. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of obesity on the balance and gait. Materials & Methods:50 subjects of both genders. All gave their written consent to participate in the study.Group I comprised of obese and group II were non- obese. Functional reach test (FRT) was used for balance testing. The Footprint method was also recorded. Results: Out of 50 patients, males were 23 and females were 27. In group I and II, mean foot length (mm) in males was 267.4 and 266.2 and in females was 244.2 and 238.6 respectively. The mean foot width (mm) was 106.4 and 94.2 in males and 94.2 and 92.6 in females. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean FRT in males was 11.8 inches and 16.2 inches in group I and II respectively. In females was 7.8 inches and 11.4 inches respectively. The degree of toe out was 9.2 degrees and 6.7 degrees and in females was 8.9 degrees and 6.8 degrees in group I and II respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Obesity has a negative impact on balance of an individual. The degree of toe out was more in obese group as compared to normal BMI group in both genders. The Step Width measurement was more in males of obese group than that in males of normal BMI group.