Effects of body composition on postural balance in sedentary Spanish adult males: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of anthropometric variables, body composition variables and fat distribution on the postural control of sedentary Spanish males. 39 males aged between 25 and 60 years old, with a body mass index between 18 and 35 kg/m2, a stable body weight (no weight gain or loss of 2 kg or more in the last 3 months), and a level of physical activity classified as sedentary or low active (PAL <1.6 via accelerometer) were included in the study. Anthropometric variables (weight, height, body mass index and waist and hip perimeters), body composition variables (fat mass, lean mass and bone mass), body mass distribution (legs, android and total) and postural control were evaluated. A correlation was found between most of the anthropometric and body composition variables, assessed via the Somatosensory ratio of the Sensory Organization Test. Furthermore, individuals with a low percentage of leg and android fat mass presented improved scores when compared to those with higher percentages (97.05±2.66 vs. 95.84±1.64 and 97.00±2.61vs 95.83±1.69, respectively; p<0.05). Sedentary males with a greater body mass index and a higher percentage of leg fat mass and android fat mass are more proprioceptively challenged for maintaining balance.