OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of adding weight shift training to a weight loss program on the risk of falling, fear of falling, overall stability, anteroposterior stability, mediolateral stability, and isometric knee torque in young obese women. DESIGN: A single-blinded, randomized controlled study was performed. Sixty women, 18 to 46 yrs old, were randomly assigned either to the study or the control group. The participants in the study group were given weight-shifting training plus a weight reduction program; the control group received only a weight-reduction program. The interventions were performed for 12 wks. At baseline and after 12 wks of training, the risk of falling, fear of falling, overall stability, anteroposterior stability, mediolateral stability, and isometric knee torque were all examined. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in risk of falling, fear of falling, isometric knee torque, and overall, anteroposterior, and mediolateral stability indices, in favor of the study group, after 3 mos of training (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Weight shift training combined with weight reduction was more beneficial than weight reduction alone in decreasing the risk of falling and fear of falling and improving isometric knee torque and overall, anteroposterior, and mediolateral stability indices. It could be used for treating balance problems and weakness around the knee joint in obese women.

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