A study to compare forward functional reach between normal and obese subjects

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the influence of body mass index (BMI) in obese individuals on functional reach. Methods: Obese subjects whose BMI was ≥30 kg/m2 and normal subjects with BMI 18.5-24.9 kg /m2 were considered for this study. They were screened for eligibility to participate in the study and they were grouped into obese and normal of 50 subjects each. The subjects were asked to lean forward with 90 degrees of shoulder flexion, taking precautions not to rotate the trunk, and to flex the knees without raising the heels. The distance reached in this position was marked as the final reference. The average of three trails of the initial and final reference points was noted as the reading. Results: A Pearson correlation between increasing BMI and forward functional reach (FFR) in obese individuals was statistically significant (Table 2) whereas a correlation between increasing height and forward functional reach in obese individuals was statistically not significant (Table 3). The results reveal that as the BMI increases in obese individuals the FFR reduces. Conclusion: Obese individuals show less forward functional reach when compared to normal subjects.