Mechanography in children: pediatric references in postural control

To establish pediatric age- and sex-specific references for measuring postural control with a mechanography plate in a single centre, prospective, normative data study.

739 children and adolescents (396 male/343 female) aged 4 to 17 years were studied. Each participant completed the following test sequence three times: Romberg, semi-tandem, tandem, each with eyes open and closed, and a one-leg stand with eyes open, and a single two-legged jump. Normal ranges were determined based on percentile calculations using the LMS method. Results from the two-legged jump were compared to a reference population the single two-legged jump (s2LJ) assessment in 2013.

38 different equilibrium parameters calculated were analysed. Of all parameters Path Length, vCoFmean, Equilibrium Score and Sway Angle showed a low variation within the same age group but high dependency on age and were thus chosen for automated balance assessment.

Standard values of postural control in healthy children derived from automated balance testing using a mechanography plate were successfully acquired and a subset of parameters for automated balance assessment identified.