Comparison of the upper extremity and lower extremity coordination in normal and obese children aged 9-12 years - A cross-sectional study

Volume 2, Issue 1 (Mar to May)

Authors: Jude John D'souza, Priyadarshani Katalkar, Siddharth S Mishra and Yash Anil Gaba

DOI: doi.org/10.64848/WJST.2.1.2026.129-133

Page No: 129-133

Keywords: Motor coordination, Obesity, Body mass index, Adolescents, Correlation, Children

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Abstract

Background: This study aimed to compare upper and lower extremity coordination in normal and obese children and to establish a relationship between motor coordination and BMI. Methods: Data were collected from 100 children aged 9 to 12 years. BMI was calculated, and participants were divided into two groups: normal (n1 = 50) and obese (n2 = 50). Both groups were assessed for motor coordination: the Plate Tapping Test (PTT) for upper extremity coordination and the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMCOT) for lower extremity coordination. The time to complete PTT and the number of taps in LEMCOT were recorded. Results: A statistically significant difference in motor coordination scores was observed between the two groups. Additionally, a strong negative correlation was found between BMI, PTT, and LEMCOT scores in the obese group. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that obese children of both sexes have significantly lower motor coordination than normal-weight children, with an inverse relationship between motor coordination and BMI in the obese group.