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

Background: Proprioceptive sense plays an important role of protective reflex response against harmful forces on joint. Load on musculoskeletal system increases with higher body weights and joint becomes prone to injuries. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of body mass index BMI on lumbar proprioception in normal adult subjects. Methods:A cross-sectional observational design was conducted in the study. A total of 61 adult subjects (32 males and 29 females) with age ranged from 18 to 30 years, they were assigned into three groups according to BMI, group A was normal with their BMI ranged from (18.5{u2013}24.9), group B was overweight with their BMI ranged from (25.0{u2013}29.9) and group C was obese with their BMI ranged from (30-34.9). Biodex system 3 proisokinetic dynamometerwas used to measure lumbar proprioception deficits through active repositioning test in lumber flexion. Results:One Way Analysis of Variance ( ANOVA) test revealed that there was significant difference in lumbar flexion active repositioning error between normal and overweight subjects (p<0.001). Also, there was significant difference between normal and obese subjects (p<0.001). However there was no significant difference between overweight and obese subjects (p >0.98).Conclusion: There was lumbar proprioception deficit in obese and overweight subjects in comparison to normal subjects which may lead to lumbar spine disorders in obese and overweight subjects

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