A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE ASSOCIATION OF BODY MASS INDEX WITH PERFORMANCE-BASED MEASURES OF BALANCE AND MOBILITY IN YOUNG ADULTS

Background: The incidence of obesity is increasing in younger adults, with associated worsening of disability. Little is known about the impact of body mass index (BMI) on performance-based balance and mobility measures in younger adults. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of BMI with measures of balance and mobility. Methods: Young adults who participated in the study (N=50) were classified as normal weight, overweight, moderately obese, or severely obese. Mobility and balance were assessed by performance-based measures. Pearson correlation test was used to examine the association among BMI, mobility, and balance after controlling for potential confounding variables. Results: There is a significant correlation between mobility and BMI at 0.01 levels. There is also a significant correlation between balance and BMI, though there was no correlation found between standing with narrow base balance and BMI. Conclusions: Higher BMI levels are associated with poorer mobility and balance. Furthermore, individuals classified as being of normal weight and those classified as overweight were similar in mobility and balance, whereas individuals with obesity had greater impairments in mobility and balance.