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The effect of a weight management program on postural balance in obese children

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Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate whether obese children improve their balance and postural performance following a 6-month-weight management program. Twenty-nine obese children aged 6–14 years were examined posturographically before and after participation in weight management program. The interactive balance system evaluated the stability index, Fourier spectral analysis, weight distribution index, and falling index. The performance was evaluated for eight positions requiring closure of eyes, standing on pillows, as well as head turns. Anthropometric measurements (e.g., weight, height, BMI, and BMI percentiles) were also determined before and after the intervention. We found significant increase in height and significant decreased in BMI percentile following the intervention program (p < .05). Pre-intervention BMI percentile was found to be correlated with stability index in most of the positions measured (e.g., normal open position = .464; p = .011). Following the intervention program, an interaction was found between BMI percentile differences (pre- versus post-interventional) and balance (stability index and F2–F4 frequencies of most standing positions). Furthermore, a correlation was found between general stability and the falling index (.446; p = .015). Regression analysis showed that only initial weight distribution index and post-intervention BMI entered the equation as predictors of post-intervention weight distribution index. Conclusion: Weight management program for childhood obesity improved stability, reduced potential vestibular stress/disturbances, and decreased falling probability of the participants. Further longitudinal studies are needed to verify the relationship between physical activity, weight loss, and reduction of subsequent injuries in obese children.

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Abbreviations

F1 :

Frequencies between 0.01 and 0.10 Hz appear to express “higher level” visual–labyrinthine central nervous system control

F2–F4 :

Deviations of 0.10 to 0.50 Hz reflect vestibular stress and vestibular disturbances

F5–F6 :

Frequencies between 0.50 and 1.00 Hz reflect somatosensory feedback

F7–F8 :

Frequencies between 1.00 and 3.00 Hz are signs of postural tremor or other possible neuropathology

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel

    Nili Steinberg & Aviva Zeev

  2. Child Health and Sports Center, Department of Pediatrics, Meir Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Kfar-Saba, Israel

    Alon Eliakim, Michal Pantanowitz & Dan Nemet

  3. School of Education, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel

    Reuven Kohen-Raz

Authors
  1. Nili Steinberg
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  2. Alon Eliakim
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  3. Michal Pantanowitz
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  4. Reuven Kohen-Raz
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  5. Aviva Zeev
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  6. Dan Nemet
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Correspondence to Nili Steinberg.

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Steinberg, N., Eliakim, A., Pantanowitz, M. et al. The effect of a weight management program on postural balance in obese children. Eur J Pediatr 172, 1619–1626 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-013-2090-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-013-2090-8

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