Effects of obesity on functional capacity

Abstract

Objective: To assess the relationships between BMI and walking speed, balance control, sit-to-stand performance (a measure of mass specific lower limb power), and endurance. Design and Methods: Thirty-six women with a BMI 30 kg/m 2 and 10 women with normal body weight (BMI between 18 kg/m 2 and 25 kg/m 2 ) were enrolled in this observational study. The obese group comprised 12 persons with a BMI 30 and <35 (obese), 14 subjects with a BMI 35 and <40 (severe obesity) and 10 people with a BMI 40 kg/m 2 (morbid obesity). All subjects underwent a clinical examination, a gait test, an endurance test (6 minutes walking test), a mass specific lower limb power test (five times sit-to-stand) and a balance test. Results: Obese women exhibited slower fast gait speeds (P < 0.05) with correspondingly shorter stride lengths, poorer sit-to-stand performance (P < 0.05), and endurance (P < 0.05). However, once the state of severe obesity was reached, additional weight gain (morbid obesity) does not seem to decrease these functional capacities any further.Conclusion: This study underlines the importance of assessing obese patients' related physical problems in an early stage of obesity in order to focus exercise regimens and promote appropriate health behaviors.

The contribution of postural balance analysis in older adult fallers: A narrative review

“…Obese older adults are more likely to fall than others, but the effect of weight on the risk of falling did not appear to be linear (Pataky et al 2014). A longitudinal study by Himes and Reynolds (2012) indicates that obese older adults are more likely to fall than others; moreover, obesity in Class 1 body mass index (BMI) 30.0-34.9 kg/m 2 , and Class 2 BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m 2 was related to greater likelihood of more disability after a fall, whereas in obesity Class 3 BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m 2 a protective effect was found, these people are significantly less likely to be injured in a fall than normal-weight individuals.…”

Influence of morbid obesity on physical capacity, knee-related symptoms and overall quality of life: A cross-sectional study

“…Comparing our SMWT results with those observed in healthy individuals by Ziegler et al 18 and Burr et al, 19 we found lower distances walked. Pataky et al 6 reported that obese women tend to have slower gait speeds and accompanying shorter stride lengths, relatively less powerful lower limbs and a poorer endurance compared to lean individuals. Comparative studies by Dufek et al 20 and Hergenroeder et al 21 have also shown significantly slower speeds and distances in obese individuals.…”

“…However, recent evidence has shown a significant impairment in physical capacity associated with obesity, such as gait disturbances, posture deficits, and greater risk of falling. [2][3][4][5][6] Furthermore, obesity presents a close relationship with chronic degenerative osteoarticular disease, which contributes even more to physical impairment and disability. [4][5][6] There are a few studies evaluating functional abilities, physical capacity, and joint-related symptoms in morbidly obese individuals, as well as their impact on the overall quality of life.…”

Control of energy expenditure in humans

“…Obese subjects move slower and have lower endurance. 7,8 Excess body fat prevents optimal physical performance. 9 In conclusion, energy expenditure is higher in larger subjects due to higher energy expenditure for maintenance.…”