Lower limb alactic anaerobic power output assessed with different techniques in morbid obesity

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Abstract
Short-term alactic anaerobic performance in jumping (5 consecutive jumps with maximal effort), sprint running (8 m) and stair climbing (modified Margaria test) were measured in 75 obese subjects (BMI: 40.3±5.0 kg/m2) and in 36 lean control subjects (BMI: 22.4±3.2 kg/m2) of the same age and gender distribution. The results show that obese subjects attained a significantly lower specific (per unit body mass) power output both in jumping (Wspec,j; pspec,s; pspec,s (and hence the vertical velocity in climbing, vv) was closely correlated with Wspec,j (R2=0.427, ps; pc,r; pspec,j seems to be a determinant of the poorer motor performance of obese, being significantly correlated with: I) the vertical displacement of the centre of gravity (R2=0.853, pc,r (R2=0.492, ps (R2=0.266, p2=0.454, p<0.001) in sprinting. The results suggest that obese individuals, although partially hampered in kinetic movements, largely rely on their effective specific power output to perform complex anaerobic tasks, and they suffer from the disproportionate excess of inert mass of fat. Furthermore, in view of the sedentary style of life and the consequent degree of muscle de-conditioning accompanying this condition, it may prove useful to implement rehabilitation programs for obesity with effective power training protocols.