title: Posturography characteristics of obese children with and without associated disorders.
abstract: A group of 59 obese children ages 6-12 years were interviewed for current medical diagnoses (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder- ADHD, and clumsiness) and later were examined posturographically for balance and stability. General stability of all the obese children deviated significantly from norms. 32.2% of the obese children had a pattern of balance that could indicate orthopedic problems. Obese children with ADHD or perceived clumsiness had significantly worse balance and postural performance compared to other obese children. Balance and posture among obese children without suspicion of problems were similar to non-obese controls. In conclusion, obese children with associated disorders (such as ADHD and perceived clumsiness) manifested disturbance in balance control. Thus, physical activity interventions for these children should include safety measures to decrease the chances of falling and subsequent injury.
authors.affiliation: Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel. knopp@wincol.ac.il
authors.forename: Nili
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Steinberg
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nemet
authors.forename: Reuven
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kohen-Raz
authors.forename: Aviva
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zeev
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pantanowitz
authors.forename: Alon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eliakim
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires