European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Obesity is greatly associated with functional limitations in muscular performance and increased likelihood of developing functional disability like mobility, strength, postural and dynamic balance limitations. However, the consensus is that obese individuals, regardless of age, may have greater absolute maximum muscle strength as compared to lean individuals.
Aim: To study association between waist circumference and muscle fatigue using Mosso’s Ergograph in lean and obese young adults.
Material & Methods: This cross sectional study included 200 subjects between 18-24 years of age fulfilling inclusion criteria of age and abdominal obesity >=90 cms and exclusion of any chronic disorders. They were divided into lean group(n=100) with a waist circumference <90cm and obese group (n=100) with a waist circumference>= 90 cm and underwent fatigue test using Mosso’s Ergograph and the work done (Kgm) was calculated and correlated with waist circumference.
Results: A positive correlation between waist circumference (77.66+-7.31 cm for lean and 88.38+-4.60cm for obese) and work done (3.61+-1.28 Kg.m in lean and 3.39+-1.74 in obese) which was found to be r= 0.42 for lean and r= 0.68for obese individuals was observed and was found to be statistically significant (p=0.03) in obese but not in lean group (p=0.21).
Conclusion: The results indicate that obese individuals have greater absolute maximum muscle strength and hence fatigue lesser when compared with lean individuals.