Locomotion Mechanics in Obese Adults and Children

Abstract

Obese individuals are advised to engage in daily physical activity to improve health and manage body weight. Walking is the most popular form of physical activity, yet the effects of obesity on the biomechanics of walking are still being discovered. In this review, I highlight recent research that has found that childhood and adult obesity are associated with slower level walking speeds, wider steps, and greater loads across lower extremity joints. Given the likely increase in risk of musculoskeletal injury/pathology in obese individuals, clinicians should use caution when recommending brisk walking as a form of physical activity. I also address how improvements in our ability to measure and model musculoskeletal actions as well as further cross-sectional and longitudinal studies will enhance our understanding of how obesity affects our ability to perform essential locomotor tasks. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.