Biomechanical variation of joint angles in overweight females

Abstract

Background: An increase in body weight is considered to cause overload of the foot, which represents the interface between the body and ground. This can induce various stress and strain during walking that can predispose to overuse injuries of the lower limb. The purpose of the present study is to determine biomechanical variation of the joint angles of the lower limb such as calcaneal eversion (CE), gastrocnemius extensibility (GE), angle of toe-out (ATO), and Q-angle in overweight females. Methodology: The total of 25 overweight female subjects (body mass index [BMI] =25-29.9) were assigned as test group to determine biomechanical variation CE, GE, ATO and Q-angle. While 25 healthy female subjects (BMI = 18.5-24.9), were selected as a control group. CE and GE were measured in the prone position. While, Q-angle was measured in weight bearing and ATO was measured in walking position. Result: Independent Student's t-test was performed for comparing age, BMI, various angles among both normal and overweight female subjects. Significant increase in CE and ATO were found among overweight females as compared to normal females. While GE was significantly decreased among overweight female. Conclusion: Within limits of the present study, significant variation was found in CE, ATO (increase) and GE (decrease) in overweight females.