Effects of the Weight loss Treatment on Selected Kinematic Gait Parameters in Obese Women

The objective of this study was to investigate whether a 3-month weight reduction treatment influences gait in obese women. Gait parameters were measured on a 10-m long instrumented walkway consisted of very soft wire netting fixed to the floor. The study group included 52 obese women (age: 18-57y; 37,3±11,2; BMI: 30,1- 45,8 kg/m2 ; 36,5±4,8). Anthropometric measurements were taken, BMI was calculated, body composition was analyzed, selected kinematic gait parameters [mean velocity of gait, number of gait cycles per minute (cadence), stride length, gait cycle (stride time), stance time, swing time and double support time] were measured at baseline and after a 3-month weight loss treatment. Average weight reduction of 7,4% of initial body weight resulted in characteristic changes of gait parameters among obese women: they walked faster, made more steps per 1 minute, stride length and swing duration increased, whereas cycle time, stance and double support phases were shortened. Reduction of body mass in obese individuals has positive effects on gait kinematics. Even though the treatment lasted only 3 months it resulted in significant changes of all gait parameters tested.