Exploring the Relationship between Trunk Adiposity and Trunk Flexibility

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between trunk adiposity and trunk flexibility among adults.  Methods: A total of 29 participants, male (n=11) and female (n=18) participants between the ages of 19 and 84 years. The participants were recruited from the University of Central Oklahoma daily email news service. The bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA) was used to calculate percent body fat and body mass index (BMI). Three circumference measurements were taken on each participant: waist, abdomen, and hips. The two inclinometers were placed on the sacroiliac joint (S1) and thoracic 12 (T12) to measure trunk flexion and extension. Trunk flexibility was measured as the difference between the two reading at full flexion or extension. Results: The Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was used to analyze the results. There was a significant negative relationship between trunk flexion correlated with abdomen circumference (r= -.49, p= .01) and hip circumference (r= -.39, p= .03). There was a non- significant relationship observed between trunk flexion and WHR (r= -.10, p= .62) and waist circumference (r= -.35, p= .06). There was a non-significant relationship observed between trunk extension and WHR (r= -.07, p= .71), waist circumference (r= .17, p= .38), abdomen circumference (r= .07, p= .71), and hip circumference (r= .29, p= .13). Trunk flexion was not correlated to BMI (r= -.27, p= .15) and body fat percentage (r= -.29, p= .14). A significant relationship was found between trunk extension and BMI (r= .38, p= .04). Trunk extension and body fat percentage (r= .02, p= .92) did not have a significant relationship. Conclusion: Abdomen and hips are most beneficial when measuring circumferences for trunk adiposity. It was found that trunk flexion has a greater relationship with trunk adiposity than trunk extension.