Influence of Body Mass Index on Functional Capacity in Physically Active Community‐Dwelling Adult Women

TL;DR

Higher BMI in active adult women is linked to reduced flexibility and mobility, with lower limb strength being key for maintaining physical function.

Contribution

This study identifies the impact of BMI on functional capacity and highlights lower limb muscle strength as a critical factor in maintaining mobility.

Findings

Obese women showed significantly lower trunk flexibility compared to eutrophic women.

Lower limb muscle strength was significantly associated with walking performance across all BMI categories.

Walking speed differences between BMI groups were not statistically significant.

Abstract

Declining functional capacity is a major contributor to disability in older populations. This study aimed to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and physical function in physically active adult women.

A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted on 515 women aged 46–90 years participating in a free community‐based physical activity program in Brazil. Functional capacity was assessed using handgrip strength, trunk flexibility, lower limb muscle strength (LLMS), and walking speed. Participants were classified by BMI into underweight (< 22 kg/m2), eutrophic (22–27 kg/m2), overweight (27–30 kg/m2), and obese (≥ 30 kg/m2). One‐way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to assess differences and associations.

Overweight and obese participants represented the largest proportions (27.2% and 25.6%, respectively). Walking speed was slower in obese participants (1.0 m/s) than in the eutrophic group (1.1 m/s), but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Trunk flexibility was significantly lower in the obese group (21.3 cm vs. 26.3 cm, p < 0.05). LLMS was significantly associated with walking performance across all BMI categories.

Higher BMI is associated with reduced flexibility and mobility in adult women. LLMS appears critical for maintaining functional independence.

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