Associations Between Body Composition, Posture, and Exercise Capacity in Obese Adolescents

Abstract

The aim of our study is to investigate the relationships among body composition, posture and aerobic capacity in obese adolescents. A total of 93 obese adolescents aged 11 to 14, 49 female and 44 male, were included in the study

. For biomechanical variables, lumbar lordosis angle (flexiruler) and forward head posture were measured. Foot Posture İndex (API-6) was used for foot biomechanics. Aerobic capacity was measured using the Cooper Test. Heart rate was recorded before and after the test. SPSS 19 statistical software was used for statistical analysis (IBM SPSS Statistics 19, SPSS inc., an IBM Co., Somers, NY). As a result, it was determined that there was a positive relationship between body fat percentage and lumbar lordosis angle and heart rate, and a negative relationship between head anterior tilt angle, aerobic capacity and correct posture (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between BMI value and lumbar lordosis angle and heart rate, and a negative correlation between postural smoothness and aerobik capacity (p<0.05). As the percentile values of adolescents increase, lordosis angle and postural problems increase and aerobic capacity decreases (p<0.05). In conclusion, higher adiposity in obese adolescents is linked to poorer posture and reduced aerobic capacity. So obesity management requires a holistic approach that considers not only body composition but also postural assessment and aerobic capacity.