Biomechanical analysis of balance and gait posture by obesity level in adolescents

The purpose of this study is verifying the effectiveness of balance as a tool to correct a youth's wrong gait posture through comparative analysis of balance and gait among the youth group of normal-weight, overweight and obesity, and studying of the comparison of balance and gait with degree of obesity (Body Mass Index: BMI) and biomechanical gait analysis. There was a statistically significant difference in stability test items (p <.05). In a step width obese adolescent statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was found. As the step width is one of gait factors, obese and overweight adolescent has large step width compare to normal adolescents. These results suggest the view, obese adolescents compared to normal weight adolescents lack balance, and step width is wider. When balance is better, step width and obesity level are reduced. When step width is shorter, the obesity level is lower. As a result, if the balance is better, the gaits close to how normal weight adolescents walk, because, in conclusion, if balance improves the gait will be corrected.