title: [Childhood and adolescent obesity--consequences for the locomotor system and treatment options. Musculoskeletal complications of overweight children and adolescents].
abstract: The aim of this article is to present the most relevant musculoskeletal complications known to be associated with being overweight or obese in childhood and adolescence in order to help the clinicians and physiotherapists in the diagnostic and management of these patients. Various musculoskeletal problems like slipped capital femoral epiphysis and Blount disease are well-known complications. More recent studies describe the effects of overweight on musculoskeletal pain and controversial influences on fracture rates. Reduced physical activity is a contributing factor in obesity, but also effects bone mineral accrual. Reduced postural stability and increased falls may be the reason for increased fracture rates. Furthermore these data show relevant changes of locomotion studied by gait analysis. Longitudinal kinematic studies may be needed to understand the entire aspect of gait development in overweight children. Obesity is still a serious health problem and has a relevant impact on the development of a child's musculoskeletal system. Obesity affects the locomotor sytem both functionally and structurally. Future studies are necessary to help us better understand the pathophysiology and development of optimal therapeutic strategies.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinik Köln, Kerpenerstr.62, 50924, Köln, Deutschland. eckhard.schoenau@uk-koeln.de
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schönau
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D004035:Diet Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior