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Effect of obesity on posture and hip joint moments during a standing task, and trunk forward flexion motion

International Journal of Obesity volume 31, pages 267–271 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

Effects of obesity on trunk forward flexion motion in sitting and standing, and postural adaptations and hip joint moment for a standing work task.

Design:

Cross-sectional comparison of obese and normal weight groups.

Subjects:

Ten obese subjects (waist girth 121.2±16.8 cm, body mass index (BMI) 38.9±6.6 kg m−2) and 10 age- and height-matched normal weight subjects (waist girth 79.6±6.4 cm, BMI 21.7±1.5 kg m−2).

Methods:

Trunk motion during seated and standing forward flexion, and trunk posture, hip joint moment and hip-to-bench distance during a simulated standing work task were recorded.

Results:

Forward flexion motion of the thoracic segment and thoracolumbar spine was decreased for the obese group with no change in pelvic segment and hip joint motion. Obese subjects showed a more flexed trunk posture and increased hip joint moment and hip-to-bench distance for a simulated standing work task.

Conclusions:

Decreased range of forward flexion motion, differing effects within the trunk, altered posture during a standing work task and concomitant increases in hip joint moment give insight into the aetiology of functional decrements and musculoskeletal pain seen in obesity.

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Acknowledgements

This project was supported by a Southern Cross University Research Grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia

    W Gilleard & T Smith

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  1. W Gilleard
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  2. T Smith
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Correspondence to W Gilleard.

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Gilleard, W., Smith, T. Effect of obesity on posture and hip joint moments during a standing task, and trunk forward flexion motion. Int J Obes 31, 267–271 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803430

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