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Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
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Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

Published on: September 11, 2019

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Development of postural control during single-leg standing in children aged 3-10 years

Hiroki Mani1, Saori Miyagishima2, Naoki Kozuka3

  • 1Department of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University. Sapporo, N12-W5, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan.

Gait & Posture
|November 30, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Children

Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Developmental motor control
  • Pediatric postural stability

Background:

  • Controlling the center of mass (COM) is crucial for independent walking.
  • Postural control during single-leg standing (SLS) in children is not well understood.
  • Investigating developmental changes in pediatric postural control is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the developmental trajectory of postural control during SLS in children aged 3-10 years.
  • To compare children's postural control with that of young adults.

Main Methods:

  • Forty-eight children (3-10 years) and 11 adults performed the single-leg standing (SLS) task.
  • A 3D motion capture system and force plates measured center of mass (COM) and center of pressure (COP).
  • The SLS task was analyzed in three phases: acceleration, deceleration, and steady.

Main Results:

  • COP-COM distances were greater in children than adults during all phases.
  • Children aged 5-8 years showed increased COP-COM distance during acceleration compared to adults.
  • Postural control deficits were most pronounced in younger children (3-4 years) during the steady phase.

Conclusions:

  • Postural control during acceleration and steady phases of SLS matures by age 9.
  • Adult-like postural control during the decelerated phase is not achieved even by age 10.
  • The development of postural control is phase-specific and does not follow a simple linear progression.
Abstract

Keywords:
Anticipatory postural adjustmentsBalanceCenter of massDevelopmentSingle-leg standing

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