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Analysis Study Research Paper | Physiotherapy | India | Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023

Effect of Balance Training on Gait in Obese Older Adults

Shivpriya Shivratriwar | Dr. Shweta Sawant

Abstract: Objective: The aim of the study is to find out effects of balance training on gait in obese older adults. Background: Obesity is rising at an alarming rate and as in obese older adults the risk of fall due to poor posture balance is seen increased. Obesity can result in many health problems. One of them is balance control inefficiency. Obesity modifies body geometry by adding mass to different regions and it influences the biomechanics of the body. As a result of which centre of mass (CoM), line of gravity (LoG) shifts. Resulting in falls and injuries. Methodology: The study is intervention based with the study set up at outpatient physiotherapy department of Nanded physiotherapy college and research centre. 31 subjects were randomly selected with inclusion criteria both obese older male and female > 60 years with BMI> 30kg/m2 and exclusion criteria with reports of lower limb injuries, neuromuscular disorders and any condition resulting in non-weight bearing of leg. Procedure: 31 obese older individuals were selected. Clinical balance tests such as single leg stance, timed up and go, 10m walk test were performed on each subject before the intervention period started. The intervention period was of 4 week were each individual underwent balance training which included standing on different surface for vestibular and proprioceptive enhancement change in centre of gravity positions doing wall squats, timed up and go sit to stand and lunges, for gait tandem walking, sideways walk, forward as well as backward walking was incorporated. Result: There is significant effect of balance training on gait in obese older adults.

Keywords: Balance training, obesity, BMI, gait, older adults

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023,

Pages: 2493 - 2499