Assessment of Dynamic Postural Balance among Saudi Adolescent Girls in Al-Khobar- Saudi Arabia

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamic postural balance in Saudi girls with different BMI. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Sixty Saudi girls participated in this study and divided equally into three groups (Healthy weight, overweight and obese), their age range from 12-17 years. Method: Dynamic postural balance was evaluated for all study girls using the Biodex Stability System (BSS). Antroposterior, mediolateral, and overall stability indices were obtained during bilateral stance with open-eyes at the platform. Measurements were conducted on the BSS at a completely firm surface (stability level 12) and a very unstable surface (stability level 1). Results: Mean values of AP stability scores were greater than ML ones in all study girls in the two chosen stability levels (1 and 12). ML scores significantly impaired in obese girls at stability level 1&12 and in overweight girls at stability level 1 only. All stability indexes were significantly impaired in obese girls at stability level 1, when compared to overweight girls. Conclusions: Our results revealed when BMI increases, balance parameters deteriorate as captured by dynamic stability indexes of the BBS. This indicates that overweight and obesity have a negative effect on dynamic postural control in Saudi girls.