Abstract
Background
This study aimed to find out whether there is any relationship between obesity and balance among school-going children.
Methods
Five hundred school-going children, who were randomly selected, and had a mean age of 10.20 ± 1.51 years were recruited for the study. Obesity levels were assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI) and balance was quantified using the Paediatric Reach Test (PRT).
Results
The results showed a negative correlation between BMI and balance impairments in school children (R=0.45) and this correlation was significantly evident above the threshold level of BMI >22 kg/m
2
. The mean BMI was 19.94 ± 3.98 kg/m
2
and the mean PRT score was 20.91 ± 4.30 points.
Conclusion
A high BMI above a certain threshold is correlated with balance impairment in school children; therefore, regular physical training is essential to maintaining the BMI within normal limits.