Objective: To determine the prevalence of pain, musculoskeletal syndromes, orthopedic disorders and using computers and playing videogames among obese adolescents.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that investigated 100 consecutive obese adolescents and 100 healthy-weight controls using a confidential, self-report questionnaire covering demographic data, sports participation, painful musculoskeletal system symptoms and using computers and playing videogames. The questionnaire's test-retest reliability was tested. Physical examination covered six musculoskeletal syndromes and seven orthopedic disorders.
Results:The kappa index for test-retest was 0.724. Pain and musculoskeletal syndromes were equally prevalent in both groups (44 vs. 56%, p = 0.09; 12 vs. 16%, p = 0.541; respectively). Notwithstanding, orthopedic disorders (98 vs. 76%, p = 0.0001), tight quadriceps (89 vs. 44%, p = 0.0001) and genu valgum (87 vs. 24%, p = 0.0001) were significantly more prevalent in obese adolescents than in controls. Median time spent using a computer the day before, on Saturdays and on Sundays were all lower among the obese subjects (30 vs. 60 minutes, p = 0.0001; 1 vs. 60 minutes, p = 0.001; and 0 vs. 30 minutes, p = 0.02; respectively). Obese adolescents were less likely to play handheld videogames (2 vs. 11%, p = 0.003) and there was no difference in the two groups' use of full-sized videogames (p > 0.05). Comparing obese adolescents with pain to those free from pain revealed that pain was more frequent among females (59 vs. 39%, p = 0.048) and was associated with greater median time spent playing on Sundays [0 (0-720) vs. 0 (0-240) minutes, p = 0.028].Conclusions: Obesity can cause osteoarticular system damage at the start of adolescence, particularly to the lower limbs. Programs developed specifically for obese female adolescents with musculoskeletal pain are needed.J Pediatr (Rio J). 2011;87(4):329-335: Adolescent, obesity, pain, musculoskeletal syndrome, computers, videogames, handheld videogames.
ResumoObjetivo: Avaliar presença de dor, síndromes músculo-esqueléticas, alterações ortopédicas e uso de computador e videogame em adolescentes obesos.Métodos: Um estudo transversal avaliou 100 adolescentes consecutivos com obesidade e 100 eutróficos a partir de um questionário confidencial, autoaplicável, incluindo dados demográficos, prática esportiva, sintomas dolorosos do sistema músculo-esquelético e uso de computador e videogame. Pré-teste e reteste do questionário foram realizados. O exame físico avaliou seis síndromes músculo-esqueléticas e sete alterações ortopédicas.Resultados: O índice de kappa entre pré-teste e reteste foi 0,724. Dor e síndromes músculo-esqueléticas foram igualmente prevalentes nos dois grupos (44 versus 56%, p = 0,09; 12 versus 16%, p = 0,541; respectivamente). Entretanto, alterações ortopédicas (98 versus 76%, p = 0,0001), encurtamento de quadríceps (89 versus 44%, p = 0,0001) e geno valgo (87 versus 24%, p = 0,0001) foram significantemente mais evidenciados nos obesos versus control...