Core stabilization exercises impact on balance and foot pressure distribution in overweight children: A randomized controlled trial protocol

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Overweight children are associated with low neuromuscular function and postural imbalance. Core stabilization exercises have shown success in the cerebral palsy and Down syndrome children. However, its efficacy in overweight children is not known till date. OBJECTIVES: To measure the postural stability (static and dynamic) and foot pressure distribution in overweight children. To determine the efficacy of core stability training on postural stability (static and dynamic) in overweight children. To determine the efficacy of core stability training on foot pressure distribution in overweight children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is parallel design, non – blinded, two – group, pretest - posttest randomized controlled trial. The study will recruit 52 (26 in each group) aged 8- 16 years old both boys and girls with BMI-for-age percentile growth between 85^th to less than 95^th percentile. The outcomes are foot pressure distribution, single limb stance, Y-Reach test and core strength respectively. The core stabilization exercises will be provided in the experimental group and no exercises will be given in the control group, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. PREDICTED RESULTS: The predicted results from this study will provide the first evidence of the effectiveness of core stabilization exercises in overweight children. A greater clinical understanding of core strength and balance in this age group may be helpful for incorporating activities in their daily life in order for the better overall development and growth. Kolmnogorov Smirnov test will be used for checking the normal distribution of the data. Descriptive statistics will be expressed either as mean±standard deviation or median and inter- quartile range, based on the data distribution. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed- rank test will be used to conduct within group analyses and Independent t- tests or Mann- Whitney U- test will be used for between group analyses. For all the analyses the level of significance will be set at 0.05.