Training Induced Reduction of Lower-limb Joint Loads During Locomotion in Obese Children

The Effects of a Strength and Neuromuscular Exercise Programme for the Lower Extremity on Knee Load, Pain and Function in Obese Children and Adolescents: a Randomised, Single-blinded Controlled Trial

Childhood obesity is one of the most critical and accelerating health challenges throughout the world. It is a major risk factor for developing varus/valgus misalignments of the knee joint. The combination of misalignment at the knee and excess body mass may result in increased joint stress and damage to articular cartilage. A training programme, which aims at developing a more neutral alignment of the trunk and lower limbs during movement tasks may be able to reduce knee loading during locomotion. Despite the large number of guidelines for muscle strength training and neuromuscular exercises that exists, most are not specifically designed to target the obese children and adolescent demographic.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a training programme which combines strength and neuromuscular exercises specifically designed to the needs and limitations of obese children and adolescents and analyse the effects of the training programme from a biomechanical and clinical point of view.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female
• Age: 10 -18 years
• BMI greater than the 97th percentile
• Availability: can participate in two exercises session per week for a period of 12 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Present syndromes
• Chronic joint diseases, osteoarthritic surgery or
• Neuro-motor diseases