Abstract
PURPOSE: Although falls are typically associated with older adults, identifying early indicators of fall risk among young populations may help prevent future mobility decline. Because body mass index (BMI) is a modifiable factor that can influence balance and gait stability, understanding its role in early fall risk is important. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine differences in fall risk and gait characteristics across BMI categories in college students. METHODS: Fifteen college students participated in this study and were classified into normal, overweight, or obese groups according to BMI. Fall risk was assessed using the Fall Risk Assessment (FRA) system (InBody Co., Seoul, Korea), which evaluates sensory, balance, nervous, and musculoskeletal system scores. Gait parameters including step length (cm), walking speed (cm/s), stance phase (%), and single and double support phases (%) were measured using the GAITRite system (CIR Systems, USA) while participants walked at a comfortable pace on a sixteen-foot pressure-sensitive walkway equipped with lead-in and lead-out corridors to ensure steady walking. One-way ANOVA with post hoc tests was used to compare differences among BMI groups. RESULTS: Participants (N = 15) had a mean age of 21.7 ± 3.0 years and a BMI of 29.1 ± 7.8 kg/m2. The sensory system score differed significantly among BMI groups (normal = 93.4 ± 12.2, overweight = 71.8 ± 21.3, obese = 47.2 ± 19.4; p = .006), with lower scores in the obese group. Other FRA components and gait variables such as step length and walking speed showed no differences (p > .05). However, stance phase (normal = 63.0%, obese = 65.3%; p = .031), single support (37.0% vs. 34.6%; p = .030), and double support (26.2% vs. 30.6%; p = .029) differed significantly, indicating altered gait stability in individuals with higher BMI. CONCLUSION: While previous studies in older adults have shown that BMI influences multiple components of fall risk, the present findings suggest that in young adults, BMI primarily affects the sensory system. Differences observed in stance, single, and double support phases may be related to sensory function. These results indicate that early interventions focusing on sensory control and gait stability may help prevent future balance problems and reduce fall risk among young adults.
Recommended Citation
Diaz-Vega, Diego; Kim, Heontae; Han, Ho; and lee, jungyu
(2026)
"Association of Body Mass Index with Gait Dynamics and Fall Risk in College Students,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
18, Article 39.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/39
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons