Obesity Effect on Children Hip and Knee Range of Motion

The aim of this study was to characterize the obesity effect on children knee and hip joint range of motion. A randomized controlled trial was performed with goniometry evaluation for hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, external and internal rotation, and knee flexion in fifty male children (20 obese and 30 non obese), with age ranging from 6 to 12 years old. The obesity effect was found to be non-uniform across the joint range of motion. In the obesity group, a statistically significant reduction in the range of motion of hip flexion and adduction, and knee flexion was observed; and also an increase in external rotation in the hip was observed. Conclusion: Obese and overweight children present alterations in hip and knee joints mobility when compared to eutrophic children. The obesity/overweight associated with factors previously described in the literature, such as joint overload, postural deviation and sedentariness may influence the musculoskeletal development and, consequently, the motor function.