Do functional capacity, musculoskeletal system problems and perceived barriers to participation in physical activity affect the level of physical activity in obese individuals?

This study was conducted to examine whether functional capacity, musculoskeletal disorders, and perceived barriers to participation in physical activity have an effect on the level of participation in physical activity in obese individuals. The study included 85 obese women aged 18-65 with a body mass index of 30 and over. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded. The functional capacity of the participants was assessed using the 30-second Chair Sit-toStand Test, Timed Stand-to-Walk Test, Duke Activity Scale Index (DASI), musculoskeletal disorders using the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal System Questionnaire, perceived barriers to participation in physical activity using the Perceived Barriers to Participation in Physical Activity Scale (SPBPA), and physical activity participation levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). According to IPAQ-SF, 47 (55.3%) of the participants had a low physical activity participation level, 37 (43.5%) had a moderate physical activity participation level, and 1 (1.2%) had a high physical activity participation level. When the functional capacity, musculoskeletal problems, and perceived barriers to participation in physical activity of the participants with low and moderate physical activity participation levels were compared, there was a difference between the groups in terms of DASI MET value, fatigue subscale of SPBPA, and knee problem from the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire regions (p<0,05). Multivariate linear regression model was used to determine the variables that have an effect on the total score of IPAQ-SF. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the fatigue sub-dimension of the Scale for SPBPA (p=0.001) and the knee problem from the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal System Questionnaire (p=0.02) affected the total score of IPAQ-SF. The findings obtained from the study show that functional capacity, the feeling of fatigue during physical activity, and the presence of knee problems affect the participation in physical activity among obese women. In light of the information gathered from the study, it is recommended that exercise programs for obese individuals be designed considering the existing knee and hip pain, improving muscle fitness of the lower extremities if insufficient, and planning rest intervals within the exercise program, taking fatigue into account. Keywords: Functional Capacity; Musculoskeletal System Disorders; Obesity; Perceived Barriers to Participation in Physical Activity; Physical Activity