Your Therapy Source Magazine for Pediatric Therapists | Page 13

Balance Skills, Quality of Life and Obesity

Appetite published research on whether balance skills and quality of life are influenced by
childhood obesity. Eighty seven children who were classified as Class 1 obese (BMI SDS 2.02.49) and Class 2 obese (BMI SDS > 2.5) were evaluated using the BOT-II to measure
balance and the PedsQL to determine quality of life. Statistical analysis indicated the following:
the mean balance was 26.52 ± 5.2 out of a maximum of 37 on the BOT-II
overall 71.26% of the children had impaired balance
C2 obese children (BMI > 2.5) had lower balance scores compared to C1 obese children
the mean quality of life score was 59.0% ± 19.8% (C1 60.7% ± 19.1; C2 57.44 ± 19.8)
the children with balance impairment had lower quality of life
The researchers concluded that balance was impaired in children who were obese and that
those children had a lower quality of life. The researchers recommend conducting a
physiotherapy assessment in children who are obese.
Reference: O’Malley, G. et al. Are balance and quality of life impaired in children who are
obese? Appetite Volume 76, 1 May 2014, Pages 198
Title of Electronic Book: Cross the Beam Game
By: Your Therapy Source
Summary: Download of game that encourages balance skills and
visual perceptual skills. Find out more
at http://www.yourtherapysource.com/beam.html

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