Evaluation of postural stability in overweight and obese middle-aged men.

Background/aim: Weight gain is associated with balance disorders. This study intends to evaluate the postural stability in a natural stance in overweight and obese men by measuring the center of pressure (CoP) velocity in the medial-lateral (ML) and anteriorposterior (AP) directions. Materials and methods: A total number of 111 men categorized according to body mass index (BMI) into normal weight, overweight, and obese categories underwent a measurement of quiet standing with eyes open (EO) and with eyes closed (EC). Postural stability was assessed using a force platform. The average of CoP velocity was assessed in the two directions. Results: In the AP direction under EO and EC conditions, obese men swayed significantly quicker than men with normal weight. In the ML direction under EO and EC conditions, a higher velocity of CoP was seen in normal weight men than in obese men. Conclusion: The results propose a negative influence of obesity on postural stability in the AP direction. In the ML direction, obese men were more stable than normal weight men, probably caused by enlargement of the base of support in a natural stance.