Age-related changes in postural sway in preschoolers

Abstract

During natural stance, the amount of postural sway distinguishes 5-year-olds from 3- and 4-year-olds, highlighting the need for age-specific reference values for specific balance-related sway parameters (e.g. RMS_ml). Regarding test conditions with altered sensory input, a larger number of 5-year-old children are able to perform more difficult tasks. Nevertheless, if 3- or 4-year-olds are able to perform the more difficult tasks, their performance can be compared to the older children.

Altering Visual Feedback Conditions Impacts Postural Sway Performance in Children After Controlling for Body Mass Index and Habitual Physical Activity

“…We did not take into account typical stance or participant's height to determine the base of support. While the authors acknowledge that a self-selected comfortable foot position typically elicits a smaller amounts of postural sway compared to standardised approaches we selected a standardised position to ensure continuity both between and within participants, which is consistent with previous work in children (e.g., Verbecque, et al 2016).…”

“…To ensure continuity between trials, foot position was standardised using foot templates at a distance of 3 cm between the medial extremities of the posterior side of the calcaneus. Bipedal stance was selected in order to compare data with previous studies (Verbecque, da Costa, Meyns, Desloovere, Vereeck, & Hallemans, 2016). During each trial the arms were left to hang freely by their sides and participants were asked to stand as still as possible (Verbecque, et al 2016).…”

“…Bipedal stance was selected in order to compare data with previous studies (Verbecque, da Costa, Meyns, Desloovere, Vereeck, & Hallemans, 2016). During each trial the arms were left to hang freely by their sides and participants were asked to stand as still as possible (Verbecque, et al 2016). Each condition was explained in advance to each child.…”

Is static balance affected by using shoes of different height?

“…sway amplitude and sway velocity) are measured in different sensory conditions (e.g. standing with eyes open or closed) could provide information to determine whether a patient's postural control deviates from what is normal [35].…”

“…Lack of randomisation of the test conditions could systematically induce fatigue in the more difficult (10 cm heels) conditions and thus influence their performance [35].…”