Obesity is a serious medical, social, and economic problem and is becoming even greater concern, as the prevalence of overweight and obese individuals has steadily increased over the years. Excessive body weight can have a profound influence on lower extremities, including pain, degenerative disease, and compromised quality of life. However, no study to-date has examined the effects of weight change on foot structure and function in individuals over time. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of weight reduction on foot structure and function in obese adults. Improved understanding of the relationship between body weight and foot biomechanics is needed to promote health and healthier lifestyles.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
41
Gait Study Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Walking speed
Change in walking speed at 3 month
Time frame: 3 months
Postural stability
Change in Fall Risk Test Score as measured by the BioDex Balance System.
Time frame: 3 months
Peak plantar pressure
Change in dynamic peak plantar pressure during barefoot walking.
Time frame: 3 months
Instruments of pain and disability
Change in answers on the following questionnaires: Revised Foot Function Index, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index.
Time frame: 3 months
Arch Height Drop
Change in arch height in standing compared to sitting
Time frame: 3 months
Activities of Daily Living
Change in 50' walk time and pain, stair ascend/descend time and pain, and sit-to-stand.
Time frame: 3 months
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