Computerized static posturography and laterality in children. Influence of age

Area of Science:

• Pediatric motor control
• Human biomechanics
• Developmental neuroscience

Background:

• Postural control is crucial for children's development.
• Understanding footedness and its relation to balance is important for assessing motor skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between footedness and posturographic assessments in children aged 4-10.
• To analyze postural control differences between the left and right sides of the body in relation to age and foot dominance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a real-time computerized device with a force plate for movement analysis.
• Conducted static posturography, including Unilateral Stance (US) and Weight Bearing Squat (WBS) tests.
• Performed dynamic balance examination (Limits of Stability (LOS)) on 38 right-handed, right-footed children across three age groups.

Main Results:

• Significant age-related differences in right/left body side performance were observed.
• Younger children (4-6 years) showed better performance on their right side, while older children (8-10 years) performed better on their left.
• Posturographic assessments clearly revealed asymmetries in postural control between the left and right sides.

Conclusions:

• Age is a significant factor influencing postural control asymmetries.
• Vestibular system maturation around ages 6-7 may explain the observed age-related performance differences.
• Findings highlight the importance of considering age and foot dominance in pediatric balance assessments.