The Effects of Body Mass Index on Balance, Mobility, and Functional Capacity in Older Adults

Objective: The aim of this study was to study the effects of body mass index (BMI) on balance, mobility, and physical capacity in the older adults. Methods: A total of 149 elderly individuals aged 65 to 85 years were recruited into the study. They were divided into 3 groups, including normal weight (n = 35), overweight (n = 67), and obese (n = 47), by their BMI values. Sociodemographic characteristics of the subjects were recorded, and their BMI values (body weight/height(2) [kg/m(2)]) were calculated using height and body weight values. Balance was assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the tandem test, mobility by the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), and physical capacity by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 69.64 6.60 years. Statistical analysis revealed that there is no statistically significant difference between the BBS, RMI, and TUG values of normal, obese, and overweight elderly subjects (P > .05). A statistically significant difference was found in tandem test values of the right and left feet (P < .05). A correlation was identified between the BMI and balance (BBS) values for the subjects with a high mean age (P < .05), whereas there was no such correlation for the subjects with a lower mean age (P > .05). Conclusion: Although increased weight affects balance and mobility in the older adults, it is an important factor that affects balance and physical mobility in advanced age.