Effects of weight gaining to lower limb joint moments: a gender-specific sit-to-stand analysis

The prevalence of obesity, a worldwide health problem, is increasing. Obesity or overweight has significant effects, especially on lower limb biomechanics. Previous studies have investigated the biomechanical effects of weight gain on the knee and hip joints. These studies have been conducted on different individuals with normal weight and overweight. However, no investigation has been carried out between women and men in terms of weight gain. Females usually gain weight in the gluteal-femoral region, whereas males gain weight in the abdominal region. Due to this difference, it is thought that the effects of weight gain should be examined in a gender-specific manner. In this study, a link-segment model of the lower limb was created. Then the sit-to-stand movement was simulated according to female and male-specific weight gain scenarios. According to these results, weight gain in the abdominal region (men-specific) increases the ankle and knee joint moments more than weight gain in the gluteal-femoral region (women-specific). In obese scenarios for males and females, while the ankle and knee joint moment increases, the hip joint moment decreases. These results would be beneficial for considering biomechanical differences caused by gender-specific weight gain in rehabilitation processes and orthotic and prosthetic designs.

Automated summary

Obesity is a global health issue and its prevalence is increasing. Previous studies focused on the biomechanical effects of weight gain on knee and hip joints, but failed to compare the differences between male and female weight gain. This study found that weight gain in the abdominal region (specific to men) increases ankle and knee joint moments more than weight gain in the gluteal-femoral region (specific to women). In obese scenarios for both genders, ankle and knee joint moments increase while hip joint moment decreases.