Children, Vol. 12, Pages 122: Comprehensive Gait Analysis and Kinetic Intervention for Overweight and Obese Children
Children doi: 10.3390/children12020122
Authors:
Cristina Popescu
Daniela Matei
Anca Maria Amzolini
Magdalena Rodica Trăistaru
Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity is a critical public health issue associated with biomechanical and functional impairments that influence gait and physical performance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a six-month personalized kinetic program on gait parameters and pelvic kinematics in overweight and obese children. Methods: The prospective observational study included 100 children aged 8 to 15, divided into a study group (SG, n = 50) and a control group (CG, n = 50). The SG participated in a tailored kinetic program focusing on flexibility, strength, and coordination exercises, while the CG maintained their usual activities. The program consisted of 60 min sessions conducted three times per week over a six-month period. Gait parameters and pelvic symmetry indices were assessed using the BTS G-WALK system. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, under approval no. 38/01 March 2022. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the SG, with increases in cadence (steps/min), walking speed (m/s), and pelvic symmetry indices across all planes (sagittal, frontal, and transverse) (p < 0.0001). In contrast, no significant changes were observed in pelvic symmetry indices in the CG (p > 0.01). The Spearman correlation matrix and heatmaps highlighted a strong correlation between improved gait parameters and participation in the kinetic program (correlation coefficient over 0.45). Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that a targeted kinetic program can significantly improve gait mechanics and pelvic kinematics in overweight and obese children. These results emphasize the importance of personalized exercise interventions in managing obesity-related gait abnormalities and improving functional mobility.
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Cristina Popescu www.mdpi.com
