Correlation of BMI and Postural Balance Using Functional Stability Tests

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Published: 2026-05-19
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61919/hrrznq68
Keywords:
Body mass index, postural balance, functional stability, Single-Leg Stance, Timed Up and Go, young adults

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Nimra Aslam
Department of Physical Therapy, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Sana Arif
Department of Physical Therapy, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhmmad Mahmood Alam
Department of Physical Therapy, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
M Waseem Akhtar
Department of Physical Therapy, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is a widely used indicator of weight status and may influence postural control through altered body alignment, joint loading, proprioception, and neuromuscular coordination. Functional stability is essential for safe mobility, yet evidence regarding the relationship between BMI and balance performance in young adults remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to determine the correlation between BMI and postural balance among young adults using functional stability tests. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, over six months. A total of 140 participants aged 20–25 years, including 70 males and 70 females, were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling. Height and weight were measured to calculate BMI. Static balance was assessed using the Single-Leg Stance test, while dynamic balance and functional mobility were assessed using the Timed Up and Go test. Results: Participants with higher BMI demonstrated reduced functional stability. Mean Single-Leg Stance time decreased from 28.5 seconds in the normal-BMI group to 18.2 seconds in the higher-BMI group, while Timed Up and Go completion time increased from 8.4 seconds to 12.7 seconds. Both associations were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Higher BMI was significantly associated with poorer static and dynamic balance among young adults, supporting the need for early screening and targeted interventions to improve postural control.

Article Details

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 10 (2026): Volume 4, Issue 10 (May 2026)

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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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1.
Nimra Aslam, Sana Arif, Muhmmad Mahmood Alam, M Waseem Akhtar. Correlation of BMI and Postural Balance Using Functional Stability Tests. JHWCR [Internet]. 2026 May 19 [cited 2026 May 20];4(10):1-9. Available from: https://jhwcr.com/index.php/jhwcr/article/view/1655

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