Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gait analysis is a vital tool for evaluating overall health and predicting outcomes such as mortality and cognitive decline. This study explores how normal and obese BMI categories impact gait dynamics, addressing gaps in understanding the effect of body composition on specific gait parameters. RESEARCH QUESTION: The primary objective is to investigate differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters-specifically, gait speed, step length, cadence, and double support time-between normal and obese BMI groups to understand the effects of obesity on gait. METHODS: This observational case-control study analyzed spatiotemporal gait metrics from 163 participants, using inertial measurement units (IMUs) to collect data on various gait parameters. Statistical analyses explored the relationship between BMI categories and these metrics. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in gait speed, cadence, stride duration, or double support time between the normal and obese groups. However, significant differences were identified in age, hypertension prevalence, balance problems, and the incidence of falls, emphasizing the complex effects of obesity on factors influencing gait stability. SIGNIFICANCE: This study contributes to our understanding of obesity's impact on gait by highlighting the need to consider associated health and stability parameters. These findings prompt a re-evaluation of how BMI is integrated into clinical gait assessments and emphasize the necessity for personalized healthcare strategies. This research highlights the importance of future studies with larger, more diverse populations and a wider array of biomechanical measures to dissect the relationship between BMI, body composition, and gait dynamics.