In spite of significant advances in the knowledge and understanding of the multifactorial
nature of obesity, many questions regarding the specific consequences of
the disease remain unanswered. In particular, there is a relative dearth of information
pertaining to the functional limitations imposed by overweight and obesity.
The limited number of studies to date have mainly focused on the effect of
obesity on the temporospatial characteristics of walking, plantar foot pressures,
muscular strength and, to a lesser extent, postural balance. Collectively, these
studies have implied that the functional limitations imposed by the additional
loading of the locomotor system in obesity result in aberrant mechanics and the
potential for musculoskeletal injury. Despite the greater prevalence of musculoskeletal
disorders in the obese, there has been surprisingly little empirical investigation
pertaining to the biomechanics of activities of daily living or into the
mechanical and neuromuscular factors that may predispose the obese to injury.
A better appreciation of the implications of increased levels of body adiposity on
the movement capabilities of the obese would afford a greater opportunity to
provide meaningful support in preventing, treating and managing the condition
and its sequelae. Moreover, there is an urgent need to establish the physical
consequences of continued repetitive loading of major structures of the body,
particularly of the lower limbs in the obese, during the diverse range of activities
of daily living.
certain cancers and various musculoskeletal disorders,
particularly of the lower limbs and feet (4,5). Despite
significant advances in our knowledge and understanding
of the multi-factorial nature of the condition, many questions
regarding the specific consequences of the disease
remain unanswered.