Original Article - Biology & Medicine Case Reports (2018) Volume 2, Issue 1

The relevance of balance assessment to detect balance deficits in obese subjects: A cross sectional study.

Ibrahim AA^1*, Mohamed AMR², Kamel EM², Youssef RFM², Al-Mathour RS²

¹Department of Physiotherapy, Cairo University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt

²Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Saudi Arabia

Corresponding Author:

Ibrahim AA
Department of Physiotherapy
Cairo University Hospitals
Cairo
Egypt
Tel: +20 223643524
E-mail: boodytwo48@gmail.com

Accepted Date: January 28, 2018

Citation: Ibrahim AA, Mohamed AMR, Kamel EM, et al. The relevance of balance assessment to detect balance deficits in obese subjects: A cross sectional study. Biol Med Case Rep. 2018;2(1):15-20.

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess posture balance and fall risk in obese men. Design: A cross sectional study. Methods: Fifty males were represented the sample of the study. We used Biodex balance system for assessing three tests for the subject i.e., Posture stability testing, Limits of stability testing and Fall risk testing. Results: Descriptive statistics of means and standard deviations and correlation analysis using Pearson correlation coefficient revealed no statistical difference between tested parameters with change in BMI. Conclusion: We concluded that BMI alone is not main cause of balance but other factors may have greater role in stability.

Keywords

Obesity, Balance, Stability, Sample.

Introduction

Obesity is abnormal fat accumulation in body tissue to the extent that health may be affected [1]. Obesity is becoming a worldwide problem affecting all levels of society and is being described as a global epidemic [2].

It has become an important health problem; it is the fifth leading cause of mortality worldwide. In addition, it is a risk factor for many diseases such as cancers, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hypertension and cardiac disorders [3-7].

Obesity was defined as BMI more than or equal to 30. (BMI) Body mass index was evaluated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared rounded to one decimal place [8].

Health professionals working in clinical specialties use term of Balance in a wide variety. There is no definition accepted of human balance, or related terms. Our study identifies definitions of balance and introduces clinical definitions of balance and postural control. Postural control is defined as the maintaining or achieving the state of balance during any activity. Postural control strategies may be predictive or reactive, and may involve either a fixed-support or a change-in-support response. Clinical examination of balance evaluates all components of balance ability. Health professionals must select his clinical assessments based on a true knowledge and understanding the classification of balance and postural control [9].

One fundamental property of postural equilibrium is stability. Postural stability refers to persistent motor control and an unchanged erect posture in response to a disturbance, or fluctuations caused by a disturbance. Generally, posture is considered stable if, when disturbed, it returns to its original state. Speed plays part instability.

The faster the posture returns to its original state, the more stable the posture is considered. Both, the resistance and fast equilibrium recovery are strongly dependent on body mass [10]. Postural control is any act of maintaining or restoring balance in static and dynamic posture. Balance is the state of equilibrium and the sum of forces, acting on the body is zero [11].

Balance is defined as, the ability to maintain the body’s center of gravity (COG) over its base of support (BOS). Good balance exists when multiple systems (e.g. visual, vestibular, sensory and motor systems) interact automatically, providing accurate and exact information to the nervous system [12].

The major predisposing cause is diabetic polyneuropathy because the sensory In addition to increase in mortality, obese subjects face a greater risk of impairments. Obesity is a risk factor for functional deterioration in both genders, and the risk increases with body mass [13,14].

There are a number of studies with obese boys providing support to this association between body weight and balance stability [15,16].

Therefore, the scope of our study was to assessment of posture balance and fall risk of obesity in males in the University of Hail, KSA.

Materials and Methods

Materials

Biodex balance system: Balance ability was measured with the Biodex Balance System (BBS) (Model 302–945; Shirley, New York, USA).

Methods

1. The postural stability test: Test the patient’s ability to maintain center of balance.

2. The limit of stability test: Test the patients how to move and control his center of gravity within their base of support.

3. Performing a fall risk test: The fall risk test allows identification of potential fall candidates.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis was performed on the data obtained from 50 subjects. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows 18.0; measuring (frequency and percentage and correlation) with Pearson correlation coefficient test.

Results

The results of this study revealed the descriptive statistics of all parameters studied and the correlation between BMI and other parameters. the frequency distribution of, overall stability index with mean 2.27 ± 1.056 and Pearson correlation is 0.62, limits of stability (overall) with mean 47.08 ± 13.54 and Pearson correlation is 0.57, limits of stability (forward) with mean 58.72 ± 15.305 and Pearson correlation is -0.71, limits of stability (backward) with mean 58.52 ± 20.617 and Pearson correlation is 0.46, limits of stability (left) with mean 60.54 ± 16.511 and Pearson correlation is 0.183, limits of stability (right) with mean 54.32 ± 17.242 and Pearson correlation is -0.009, limits of stability (forward left) with mean 54.24 ± 16.053 and Pearson correlation is 0.195, limits of stability (forward right) with mean 53.7 ± 19.173 and Pearson correlation is 0.12, limits of stability (backward left) with mean 50.74 ± 17.294 and Pearson correlation is 0.27 and limits of stability (backward right) with mean 52.56 ± 18.285 and Pearson correlation is 0.78 (Figures 1-7 and Tables 1 and 2).

Figure 1: The frequency distribution of age with the mean is 21.2 ± 1.863.

Figure 2: The frequency distribution of height with mean is 157.56 ± 3.939.

Figure 3: The frequency distribution of weight with mean is 85.55 ± 7.824.

Figure 4: The frequency distribution of BMI with mean 34.37 ± 2.941.

Figure 5: The frequency distribution of, overall stability(OVERALLSI) index with mean 2.27 ± 1.056, limits of stability (LOSTO) with mean 47.08 ± 13.54, limits of stability forward (LOSTF) with mean 58.72 ± 15.305, limits of stability backward (LOSTB)with mean 58.52 ± 20.617 and limits of stability left (LOSTL) with mean 60.54 ± 16.511.

Figure 6: Explain the frequency distribution of limits of stability right (LOSTR)with mean 54.32 ± 17.242, limits of stability forward left (LOSTFL) with mean 54.24 ± 16.053,limits of stability forward right (LOSTFR) with mean 53.7 ± 19.173,limits of stability backward left (LOSTBL) with mean 50.74±17.294 and limits of stability backward right (LOSTBR) with mean 52.56 ± 18.285.

Figure 7: The person correlation between the BMI from one side and fall risk test demonstrated as (overall stability index), stability test demonstrated by (overall limits of stability, limits of stability in forward direction limits of stability in backward direction, limits of stability towards left side, limits of stability towards right side,towards forward to the left and to the right, towards backward to the left and to the right)and postural stability test demonstrated by (overall stability index, antero-posterior stability index, Medio lateral stability index) on the other side and it shows no correlation between BMI and all other parameters.

Table 1. Represents the descriptive statistics of all parameters (Limits of Stability Right (LOSTR), Limits of Stability Forward Left (LOSTFL) Limits of Stability Forward Right (LOSTFR), Limits of Stability Backward Left (LOSTBL) Limits of Stability Backward Right (LOSTBR), Overall Stability (Overalls) Index Limits of Stability (LOSTO) and Limits of Stability Forward (LOSTF) Limits of Stability Backward (LOSTB) Limits of Stability Left (LOSTL).

Table 2. The Pearson correlation between the BMI from one side and fall risk test demonstrated as (overall stability index), stability test demonstrated by (overall limits of stability, limits of stability in forward direction limits of stability in backward direction, limits of stability towards left side, limits of stability towards right side, towards forward to the left and to the right, towards backward to the left and to the right)and postural stability test demonstrated by overall stability index, antero-posterior stability index, Medio lateral stability index) on the other side and it shows no correlation between BMI and all other parameters (Limits of Stability Right (LOSTR), Limits of Stability Forward Left (LOSTFL) Limits of Stability Forward Right (LOSTFR), Limits of Stability Backward Left (LOSTBL) Limits of Stability Backward Right (LOSTBR). Overall Stability (Overalls) Index Limits of Stability (LOSTO), Limits of Stability Forward (LOSTF) Limits of Stability Backward (LOSTB) Limits of Stability Left (LOSTL).

Discussion

The present study focused in assessment of balance and risk of fall in obese males as a trial to know all the possible bad consequences of obesity. In addition to descriptive statistics the present study tried to make a correlation test between BMI and determents of balance. Biodex balance system is used in this study and this is on the contrary of Kumaresan and Kavithayini who used star excursion balance test in assessment of balance. Our results comes in disagreement with Jose Aliton who reported decreased stability limits in obese elderly men and this may be because of old age which induce decreased strength which makes obesity more effective in losing ability to resist falls. These results may be due to the sample we chosen was young students with good strength so they can resist the bad effects of obesity on balance but with increasing age deterioration of strength makes obesity a great determent in losing balance and increasing fall risk.

Conclusion

BMI is not the only determent of balance but it may be of great concern if it is added to other factors, which affect balance.

Limitations

1. Sampling in the scope of the university and the lack of sufficient cases “old age “.

2. The Biodex is not available in large hospitals to measure the available cases there.

3. The lack of cooperation and approval to conduct tests in some cases.

Recommendations

1. Obese individual should be educated about the seriousness of the imbalance to avoid falling.

2. Obese individual should be educated to do exercises.

3. Should do this study in a large number of obese male and female.

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