Predicting Lower Extremity Injuries in a Two Week Overweight Obese Children's 2- Week Summer Camp Exercise Program- A 2-Year prospective Study Untilizing Computerized gait Analysis

Overweight and obese children suffer from a multitude of co-morbidities. Of particular interest are those that effect the lower extremity. Conditions such as knock knees, (genu valgum), bow legs (tibial varum), flat feet (pes plannus), high arches (pes cavus) can cause skeletal deformities to develop which can result in poor biomechanical balance of the feet and legs. These abnormalities can cause collapsing of the feet, severe internal rotation of the knees, resulting in arthritic changes and permanent deformities. Utilizing a computerized gait analysis, we are able to determine which children are at risk for developing these conditions as well as inujuries of the feet and lower extremities. With this computerizeed gait analysis data prior to the commencement of the 2-week camp program, we were able to predict which children were at risk for potential injury. A pre-camp questionaire was also used to help predict potential injury.With this information biomechanical intervention with the use of insoles, orthtoics or proper shoe gear can be made.