Childhood Obesity and Incorrect Body Posture: Impact on Physical Activity and the Therapeutic Role of Exercise

Abstract

Obesity is associated with various dysfunctions of the organism, including musculoskeletal problems. In this narrative review, we aim to consider postural problems in children and adolescents with obesity, focusing on the relationship with its negative impact on physical activity, and to discuss the role of exercise as a therapeutic approach. The body reacts to excess weight by changing its normal balance, and the somatosensory system of children with obesity is forced to make major adjustments to compensate for postural problems. These adaptations become more difficult and tiring if activities that require continuous postural changes and multi-tasking are engaged in. Children with obesity have less body control and functional ability due to the excess fat mass, which reduces their ability to perform motor skills and take part in physical activity. Appropriate early interventions for the management of musculoskeletal problems are needed to ensure healthy growth and to prevent comorbidities in childhood and adulthood. Prevention programs must be based not only on the reduction of body weight but also on the definition of correct postural habits from an early age. It is equally important to provide correct information on the types and doses of physical activity that can help prevent these problems.

Poor Motor Competence Affects Functional Capacities and Healthcare in Children and Adolescents with Obesity

“…Motor competence (MC) is a general expression that describes several terms used in the literature (i.e., motor proficiency, motor performance, fundamental movement/motor skills, motor ability, and motor coordination) to evaluate goal-directed human movement [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Motor development in children integrates both fine and gross motor coordination abilities.…”

“…Indeed, previous studies have shown the existence of strong links between motor competence and PA, highlighting the importance of the latter in maintaining a healthy weight alongside supporting correct motor development in children [ 2 , 3 ]. The World Health Organization (WHO) always underlines that PA and active lifestyle promotion should be prioritized to prevent health diseases since exercise is proven to improve cardiovascular fitness and modulate inflammatory processes in all populations [ 4 ]. However, the higher levels of sedentary behavior among children and adolescences reported in the recent literature have led to a higher risk of weight gain, which is reflected in the steep increase in obesity prevalence and incidence in youth [ 1 , 4 ].…”

“…Motor competence and function deficits have been associated with pediatric obesity [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The global increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity is affecting children’s health and development [ 7 ].…”

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) always underlines that PA and active lifestyle promotion should be prioritized to prevent health diseases since exercise is proven to improve cardiovascular fitness and modulate inflammatory processes in all populations [4]. However, the higher levels of sedentary behavior among children and adolescences reported in the recent literature have led to a higher risk of weight gain, which is reflected in the steep increase in obesity prevalence and incidence in youth [1,4].…”

Influência do nível de atividade física, massa corporal, sexo e idade sobre a postura dos membros inferiores de crianças e adolescentes

“…O excesso de massa corporal assim como o baixo nível de atividade física podem ter um grande impacto nos parâmetros posturais em crianças e adolescentes (3). De acordo com a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS), a obesidade é definida como o acúmulo excessivo de gordura corporal, capaz de acarretar prejuízos importantes à saúde (4).…”