Obesity, Gait Patterns and Vision

Gait and Posture published research comparing the walking patterns of normal weight children versus obese children. Gait analysis was performed on 32 children in light and dark conditions. Both groups of children exhibited changes in their walking patterns in the dark conditions. Although in the dark conditions, the obese group spent more time in the stance phase of walking. With the removal of vision, the obese children's gait patterns were affected more than their normal weight peers. The results indicated that obese children rely more on their vision to control walking.

Reference: Eva D’Hondt et al. The role of vision in obese and normal-weight children's gait control Gait & Posture Volume 33, Issue 2, February 2011, Pages 179-184