Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health. Obesity is accompanied with reduced postural control and stability that could hinder the ability to adapt to changes in terrain during walking. Poor proprioception of the hip may diminish neuromuscular control of the leg and is related to decreased control of hip joint stability that is a part of core stability. Purpose of this study: Was to investigate the effect of obesity on hip joint proprioception. Subjects and methods: Sixty adult subjects of both genders with their ages ranged from 18 to 35 years participated in this study. Subjects were classified into three equal groups according to body mass index. group A: Was consisted of twenty subjects of normal weight (BMI:18-24.9). Group B: Was consisted of twenty subjects who had mild obesiy (BMI:30-34.9). Group C: Was consisted of twenty subjects who had moderate obesity (BMI:35-39.9). Methods: The hip proprioception was assessed with active repositioning test of hip abduction using Biodex system 3 pro isokinetic dynamometer. Results: showed that there was a significant decrease in the active repositioning error of the right and left hip joint of group A compared with that of group B and C. (p>0.05) Also, there was a significant decrease in the active repositioning error of the right and left hip joints of group B compared with that of group C (p>0.05). there was a significant decrease in the active repositioning error of the right hip compared with that of left hip joint in the three groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that an increase in BMI affect hip joint stability through a decrease in hip joint proprioception in adult obese subjects

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