Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight, and can be used as an indicator of obesity and malnutrition. The morbidity and mortality associated with overweight and obese individuals is independent of age, race, gender, and ethnicity. In addition to the associated cardiovascular and endocrine conditions, high BMI also has an affect on neuromuscular health. There are no studies that investigate high BMI and decreased postural balance in college aged adults. This pilot study seeks to determine the average BMI amongst college-age African American women and the static and dynamic balance. Using two cohorts, we utilized the KoreBalance apparatus to measure and test each participants’ static and dynamic balance. Our findings suggest that there was no significant difference in static and dynamic balance scores with high or low BMI. However, these scores are low for maintenance of balance. In addition, we were able to assess falls risk using a modified survey; more than half indicated visual impairments, as well as history of falls, indicating an increased risk for falls. This study and future studies can further assist with enhancing our understanding of how weight differences can affect postural balance among this population.
