Postural balance and functional mobility in relation to BMI and body composition among female students at a College of Applied Medical Sciences: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to compare different Body Mass Index (BMI) categories, body composition parameters, postural balance, and functional mobility among female students at a College of Applied Medical Sciences; and examine the relationship between BMI and body composition with postural balance and functional mobility among female students at the college of applied medical sciences. Materials and methods: Female students, aged 18‒25 years old. They were subdivided into four groups according to their BMI category: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese, with n = 20 participants in each group. A Bioelectrical Impedance Human Body Analyzer (BIA) was used to assess the following body composition parameters: Fat Percentage (FATP), fat mass, muscle mass, and Total Body Water (TBW). A NeuroCom Balance Master was used to assess postural balance and functional mobility. A Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was employed to assess functional mobility. All data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Participants’ ages and heights were matched (p > 0.05). However, there were variables that were statistically significantly higher in terms of weight, BMI and body composition, including FATP, fat mass, muscle mass, and TBW (p = 0.000), among the obese group. Moreover, postural balance was lower among the obese group. There was a significant relationship between BMI and body composition variables in respect of postural balance but not in relation to functional mobility. Conclusion: Postural instability but not functional mobility was related to higher BMI and body composition values among the study groups.