The Effect of Local-indigenous Games and Neuro-muscular Exercises on Static and Dynamic Balance in Obese Children

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of neuromuscular exercises (NE) and local-indigenous games (LIG) on the static and dynamic balance of obese children. Methods: Thirty obese children were randomly assigned to NE (n=15, mean age 10.47±2.1 years, body mass index (BMI) 29.15±3.01 kg/m2) or LIG (n=15, mean age 10.67±1.52 years, body mass index (BMI) 29.45±3.41 kg/m2) groups. Both groups underwent 12 training sessions, during which dynamic and static balance were measured with the Biodex device before and after training. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and independent t-test were used to compare balance indices between the two groups. Results: No significant differences were observed in static anterior-posterior balance between NE (0.82±0.10) and LIG (0.68±0.09). Similarly, no significant differences were found in static lateral-medial balance (NE: 0.82±0.10; LIG: 0.68±0.09) (P>0.05). Moreover, the dynamic anterior-posterior balance did not differ significantly between NE (0.79±0.08) and LIG (0.97±0.26) as well as the dynamic lateral-medial balance did not differ significantly (NE: 0.74±0.10; LIG: 0.93±0.15) (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that both NE and LIG are effective in improving balance indices in obese children. However, no significant differences were observed between the two interventions.