Impact of Body Weight and Central Obesity on Postural Stability in Women

Kim, Hyunsoo; Taylor, E

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There is a lack of researches examining the effect of body mass index (BMI) and weight distribution on postural sway (PS) in women. The purpose is to identify, on the basis of BMI, the differences in PS between normal weight (NW) and overweight (OW) women and to determine if addition of appended weight (Wt) would result in changes of PS.
METHODS
We measured PS in 49 females using the NeuroCom Balance Master(R); while the women performed the modified clinical test for the sensory interaction and balance (SIB) and single-limb stance test (eyes open; EO, closed; EC). Tests were repeated with the addition of a 4.5 kg backpack worn anteriorly to simulate added centripetal fat. Measures of sway velocity (SV) were used to assess PS.
RESULTS
Significant differences existed from pre-to post-Wt for clinical Test of SIB, Unilateral Stance (US), Sit-to-Stand (SS), and Step/Quick Turn (SQT). SIB-EO and -EC, SS, and SQT with SV decreasing with the addition of Wt (P < .05). Significant differences in SV existed for SIB-EC without- and with Wt, SS without Wt, and US-EO/EC with Wt. The OW had less sway on both SIB measures and the NW had less sway on the US measures.
CONCLUSION
Pre- to post-Wt differences may have resulted from a beneficial effect of extra Wt in stabilizing the body. Or it is possible that they may reflect a practice effect. The result suggests that added weight may stabilize balance on a conforming surface, such as foam, while it is detrimental to maintaining balance with a restricted base of support (one leg).