Effectiveness of Lumbar Flexors and Extensors Muscle Strengthening Exercises on Waist- Hip Ratio in Overweight Adolescents

Background: Obesity is the worldwide epidemic and is characterized by excess adipose tissue. It contributes to numerous chronic diseases and early mortality. With urbanization and development there is reduction in physical activity. Objective: To find out the effectiveness of lumbar flexors and extensors muscle strengthening exercises on Waist-Hip Ratio in overweight adolescents. Study Design: Quasi experimental study design, pre and post type. Procedure: 34 subjects were conveniently selected based on Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria and randomly divided in to 2 groups. Group-A and Group-B. Each Group consists of 17 samples. Lumbar flexors and extensors strengthening exercises given to Group A and Group B free from strengthening exercises. Outcome Measures: Waist Circumference, Hip Circumference, Waist-Hip Ratio and Skin Fold Thickness at the abdomen. Results: Statistical analysis was done by using paired “t” test which showed more significant improvement in Group A. Conclusion: The study was concluded that Experimental group with exercise program showed statistical significant decrease in Waist Circumference, Hip Circumference and Skin Fold Thickness at the abdomen but no statistical significant reduction in Waist-Hip Ratio. Control group, who were not given any intervention showed increase in the waist circumference, hip circumference, waist- hip ratio and skin fold thickness at the abdomen.