BACKGROUND: Studies on the influence of obesity on different physical parameters such as postural balance and musculoskeletal flexibility are limited and have reported varying results. 

OBJECTIVES: Measure effect of childhood obesity on balance and musculoskeletal flexibility in Saudi children. 

DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Physiotherapy laboratory. 

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included a representative sample of Saudi elementary school children selected from a convenience sample of 150 children. Balance was examined using the Biodex balance system. Calf muscle flexibility was measured by the weightbearing ankle lunge test while the chest flexibility was measured by the chest expansion test. 

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postural stability indices and flexibility parameters. 

SAMPLE SIZE: 90 elementary school children aged 6 to 11 years, 47 of normal weight and 43 obese children. RESULTS: All stability indices at different stability levels were significantly impaired in children with obesity (P?.05). In terms of musculoskeletal flexibility, the weight-bearing lunge test distance was shorter in children with obesity (P=.01). In the chest expansion test, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=.32). 

CONCLUSIONS: Postural balance at different stability levels was impaired in children with obesity and in all planes. The calf muscles were less flexible in obese children. 

LIMITATIONS: Unblinded, convenience sample so findings are not generalizable. 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None

WILL BE UPDATED SOON