Postural effects of central obesity
Central obesity alters posture and movement, increasing strain and pain. This project aims to uncover these effects and support better, person-centred care.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Health Professions
- Institute(s) Physiotherapy
- Research unit(s) Spinal Movement Biomechanics
- Funding organisation SNSF
- Duration (planned) 01.05.2023 - 31.12.2026
- Head of project Dr. Anastasiia Nahorna
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Project staff
Prof. Dr. Heiner Baur
Prof. Dr. Stefan Schmid
Prof. Dr. Patric Eichelberger - Keywords central obesity, visceral obesity, abdominal fat, posture, biomechanics, low back pain, waist-to-height ratio, anthropometry, functional assessment, person-centred care
Situation
People with central obesity often experience back pain, discomfort and movement restrictions. However, postural factors remain underrepresented in obesity care. This project examines how visceral fat contributes to biomechanical stress and altered movement patterns in daily life. Using 3D motion capture, force plates and body composition analysis, we aim to identify posture-related risk factors and develop tools for early detection and improved interventions.
Result
Preliminary findings show postural asymmetries and altered movement patterns in individuals with central obesity. Visceral fat correlated with low back pain intensity, although this relationship plateaued at higher fat levels, possibly indicating compensatory biomechanical or physiological adaptations. Simple anthropometric measures - especially the waist-to-height ratio - proved effective in identifying central obesity-related risk. In contrast, bioelectrical impedance analysis showed inconsistent results. Due to the small sample size, further research in larger and more diverse populations is needed to confirm these findings.
Looking ahead
These results highlight the importance of integrating postural and functional assessments into obesity care. Future research will focus on validating the observed patterns in larger and multiethnic populations. Long-term goals include the development of clinical screening tools based on anthropometric indicators - particularly waist-to-height ratio - to support early detection of biomechanical stress and improve person-centred interventions.
