Article

Previous research has suggested that perceptual-motor difficulties may account
for obese children's lower motor competence; however, specific evidence is
currently lacking. Therefore, this study examined the effect of altered visual
conditions on spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters in obese versus
normal-weight children. Thirty-two obese and normal-weight children (11.2+/-1.5
years) walked barefoot on an instrumented walkway at constant self-selected speed
during LIGHT and DARK conditions. Three-dimensional motion analysis was performed
to calculate spatiotemporal parameters, as well as sagittal trunk segment and
lower extremity joint angles at heel-strike and toe-off. Self-selected speed did
not significantly differ between groups. In the DARK condition,
all participants
walked at a significantly slower speed, decreased stride length, and increased
stride width. Without normal vision, obese children had a more pronounced
increase in relative double support time compared to the normal-weight group,
resulting in a significantly greater percentage of the gait cycle spent in
stance. Walking in the DARK, both groups showed greater forward tilt of the trunk
and restricted hip movement.
All participants had increased knee flexion at
heel-strike, as well as decreased knee extension and ankle plantarflexion at
toe-off in the DARK condition.
The removal of normal vision affected obese
children's temporal gait pattern to a larger extent than that of normal-weight
peers. Results suggest an increased dependency on vision in obese children to
control locomotion. Next to the mechanical problem of moving excess mass, a
different coupling between perception and action appears to be governing obese
children's motor coordination and control.
CI - Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS