Effect of Core Stabilization Exercises on Balance and Postural Control in Children with Obesity and Overweight

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of core stabilization exercises (CSE) on balance and postural control in children with obesity and children with overweight. The study, which was planned as a quasi-experimental controlled study, was conducted with 46 children aged 7 to 10 years, 12 affected by obesity, 18 overweight, and 16 normal weight. Eight weeks of CSE were applied to all children. Children's balance, postural control, and core region endurance were evaluated before and after the exercises with McGill core endurance tests, flamingo balance test (FBT), functional reach test (FRT), Y balance test (YBT). SPSS 25.0 package program was used for statistical analyses. The results showed that 8 weeks of CSE provided significant improvements in McGill core endurance tests, FBT, FRT, and YBT in children (P < .05). Since excessively increased weight can cause a decrease in performance, it can also reduce the ability to achieve the greatest effect from the applied exercise approaches.