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BACKGROUND: Obesity negatively affects dynamic balance during walking, and crossing barriers is a more routine functional activity that requires more stability in controlling body posture. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in dynamic stability between obese and average males, and to assess the balance ability of obese males using a relatively more challenging obstacle crossing. METHODS: A total of 24 male youths (12 each in the obese and normal groups) were recruited to complete the tests of walking on level ground and crossing obstacles of different heights (4 cm, 11 cm, 15 cm) in random order. Kinematic and dynamic data were collected using the Qualisys motion capture system and Kistler force stage. Statistical analysis was performed using two-factor (2 groups * 4 movement types) repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The obese group had a lower step speed than the normal group (P < 0.05), the proportion of the first single support period decreased and the proportion of the second double support period increased when crossing the 11 cm versus 15 cm hurdles (P < 0.05). When walking on level ground, the margin of stability in the internal and external directions in the normal group was greater than that of the obese group (P < 0.05). When crossing the 4 cm hurdles, the margin of stability in the obese group was less than that in the normal group (P < 0.05). When crossing the 11 cm hurdles, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the anterior-posterior direction (P > 0.05), while there was a significant difference in the internal-external direction (P < 0.05). When crossing the 15 cm hurdles, the margin of stability in the obese group was lower than that in the normal group (P < 0.05). Overall, obesity decreases the body’s ability to control the body, reduces dynamic stability during crossing the barrier, and increases the risk of falls compared with the general population. In addition, compared with level ground walking, the decrease in the dynamic stability when crossing barriers is more significant in the obese group than the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

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