Reference Values of Static Balance in Spanish Preschool Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Motor Development
• Biometrics

Background:

• Static balance (SB) is crucial for preschool children's motor development.
• Establishing age and sex-specific normative data is essential for assessing balance in this population.
• Previous research has not comprehensively addressed SB norms in Spanish preschool children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age and sex variations in static balance among Spanish preschool children.
• To establish norm-referenced values for static balance in Spanish preschoolers.
• To provide a benchmark for evaluating balance development in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 3,575 preschool children (3-6 years) from 51 schools in southern Spain.
• Static balance was assessed using the Stork Balance Stand Test.
• Normative values were determined using percentile rankings, averaging data from both right and left feet.

Main Results:

• Static balance performance generally increased with age in the sample, with an exception noted between 5-6 years.
• Girls demonstrated superior static balance compared to boys at age four (p=.010).
• Conversely, boys showed better static balance performance than girls at age six (p=.002).

Conclusions:

• Static balance abilities in Spanish preschool children are influenced by both age and sex.
• Normative data derived from this study can aid in identifying balance deficits in clinical and educational settings.
• Further research may explore the underlying factors contributing to the observed sex-based performance differences at specific ages.