Effects of obesity on functional capacity. (13th August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pataky, Zoltan; Armand, Stéphane; Müller‐Pinget, Solange; Golay, Alain; Allet, Lara
• Is Part Of: Obesity. Volume 22:Number 1(2014:Jan.)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2013-08-13
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.20514
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1930-7381

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="oby20514-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="oby20514-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design and Methods</title> <p>Thirty‐six women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m<sup>2</sup> and 10 women with normal body weight (BMI between 18 kg/m<sup>2</sup> and 25 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) 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<sup>2</sup> (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.</p> </sec> <sec id="oby20514-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Obese women exhibited slower fast gait speeds (<italic>P</italic> < 0.05) with correspondingly shorter stride lengths, poorer sit‐to‐stand performance (<italic>P</italic> < 0.05), and endurance (<italic>P</italic> < 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.</p> </sec> <sec id="oby20514-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> </abstract>