Effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in women
Purpose: This study investigated the effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity participation in women living independently in the community. Methods: A total of 378 women were divided into 3 groups (Not Overweight...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2020-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Sport and Health Science |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254619300559 |
| _version_ | 1818085722358284288 |
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| author | Julie R. Steele Celeste E. Coltman Deirdre E. McGhee |
| author_facet | Julie R. Steele Celeste E. Coltman Deirdre E. McGhee |
| author_sort | Julie R. Steele |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Purpose: This study investigated the effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity participation in women living independently in the community. Methods: A total of 378 women were divided into 3 groups (Not Overweight: body mass index (BMI) = 22.5 ± 0.2 kg/m2 (mean ± SE); Overweight: BMI = 27.4 ± 0.3 kg/m2; Obese: BMI = 35.4 ± 0.3 kg/m2). Outcome variables of breast volume (mL), thoracic flexion torque (N·m), thoracic kyphosis (degrees), upper torso musculoskeletal pain (score) and time spent in physical activity (min) were calculated and compared among the 3 groups, adjusting for between-group differences in age. Results: There was a significant main effect of BMI on all outcome variables. Participants classified as Obese displayed significantly larger breasts, had greater thoracic flexion torques and reported less time participating in physical activity relative to the participants who were classified as Not Overweight and Overweight. Participants in the Obese group also displayed significantly more thoracic kyphosis and reported significantly more upper torso musculoskeletal pain compared to their counterparts who were classified as Not Overweight. Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate that increased obesity levels were associated with compromised kyphosis and loading of the thoracic spine, as well as increased symptoms of upper torso musculoskeletal pain and reduced time spent in physical activity in women living in the community. We recommend further research to determine whether evidence-based interventions designed to reduce the flexion torque generated on the thoracic spine can improve these symptoms of upper torso musculoskeletal pain and the ability of women with obesity to participate in physical activity. Keywords: Breast volume, Obesity, Thoracic kyphosis, Upper torso loading |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-10T20:14:18Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-a83d8b4878e04e7e92f228baba57b824 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2095-2546 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-10T20:14:18Z |
| publishDate | 2020-03-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Sport and Health Science |
| spelling | doaj.art-a83d8b4878e04e7e92f228baba57b8242022-12-22T01:35:14ZengElsevierJournal of Sport and Health Science2095-25462020-03-0192140148Effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in womenJulie R. Steele0Celeste E. Coltman1Deirdre E. McGhee2Biomechanics Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Corresponding author.Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2601, AustraliaBiomechanics Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, AustraliaPurpose: This study investigated the effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity participation in women living independently in the community. Methods: A total of 378 women were divided into 3 groups (Not Overweight: body mass index (BMI) = 22.5 ± 0.2 kg/m2 (mean ± SE); Overweight: BMI = 27.4 ± 0.3 kg/m2; Obese: BMI = 35.4 ± 0.3 kg/m2). Outcome variables of breast volume (mL), thoracic flexion torque (N·m), thoracic kyphosis (degrees), upper torso musculoskeletal pain (score) and time spent in physical activity (min) were calculated and compared among the 3 groups, adjusting for between-group differences in age. Results: There was a significant main effect of BMI on all outcome variables. Participants classified as Obese displayed significantly larger breasts, had greater thoracic flexion torques and reported less time participating in physical activity relative to the participants who were classified as Not Overweight and Overweight. Participants in the Obese group also displayed significantly more thoracic kyphosis and reported significantly more upper torso musculoskeletal pain compared to their counterparts who were classified as Not Overweight. Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate that increased obesity levels were associated with compromised kyphosis and loading of the thoracic spine, as well as increased symptoms of upper torso musculoskeletal pain and reduced time spent in physical activity in women living in the community. We recommend further research to determine whether evidence-based interventions designed to reduce the flexion torque generated on the thoracic spine can improve these symptoms of upper torso musculoskeletal pain and the ability of women with obesity to participate in physical activity. Keywords: Breast volume, Obesity, Thoracic kyphosis, Upper torso loadinghttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254619300559 |
| spellingShingle | Julie R. Steele Celeste E. Coltman Deirdre E. McGhee Effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in women Journal of Sport and Health Science |
| title | Effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in women |
| title_full | Effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in women |
| title_fullStr | Effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in women |
| title_full_unstemmed | Effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in women |
| title_short | Effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in women |
| title_sort | effects of obesity on breast size thoracic spine structure and function upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in women |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254619300559 |
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