Progression of anthropometric variables, posture and balance of obese and overweight children

Abstract

Objective: To determine anthropometric data, posture and balance of children in the Nutritional Disorders Clinic. Methods: Twenty children aged 8.4 (± 1.5) years were attended by a multidisciplinary team (physician, dietician and physiotherapist). We evaluated anthropometric data (BMI), posture, and static and dynamic balance of children on rolling in clinic’s project and after three months. In the first evaluation, guidance was given on diet, physical exercise and correct posture. The data were analyzed descriptively and by means Wilcoxon test, with significance level of 5%. Results: In the first evaluation, the children had a BMI of 23.67 (± 2.6) kg / m², and in the second, 23.65 (± 2.4) kg / m²; postural change was observed protruding abdomen in both assessments (75% and 70% respectively). In static equilibrium, there were differences in the immobility (p = 0.054, from eupraxic to hyperpraxic) and rectilinear support (p = 0.021, from dyspraxic to eupraxic profile) tasks. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity altered posture and balance of the children, but with the guidance we observed some changes in psychomotor profile.