Research in Sport Medicine and Technology

Introduction and Purpose: The rate of overweight and obesity of childhood is dramatically increasing. It seems that mechanical load would affects motor activities for instance walking pattern. This study undertaken to compare spatio-temporal parameters of walking among overweight and normal childrens 10 to 12 years.
Methodology: In this semi-experimental study, 30 subjects (15 overweight boys and 15 normal boys) are randomly selected participated. Footprints recorded during walking with ink and paper system. In order to make comparison of spatio- temporal parameters of walking of subjects Independent Samples t-Test is used. Results: Significant difference was seen in three parameters spending time, speed and cadence between the two groups; in addition, there is significant difference in foot progressive angle between dominant and non dominant limbs.
Discussion and conclusion: According to the findings of this study, which confirms findings of previous studies, in order to optimize walking pattern perhaps overweight changes the pattern of gait through improvement of motor control.