Correlation Between Balance, Agility, and Speed Among Children Participating in Roller Skating

Balance, agility, and speed are fundamental motor skills essential for optimal performance in roller skating; understanding their relationship helps identify key performance factors. Early identification of deficits in any of these areas can aid in injury prevention, especially in developing children. This study addresses a gap in the existing literature by examining the interrelationship between these skills in child roller skaters.

A total of 63 subjects who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected using convenience sampling. Demographic data were obtained. Balance, speed, and agility were assessed using the Y-Balance Test, Arrowhead Change of Direction Speed Test, and T-test, respectively.

A significant moderate positive correlation was found between agility and speed (r = 0.5011, p < 0.0001). Significant negative correlations were observed between balance and agility for the right lower limb (r = -0.3225, p = 0.0099) and between balance and speed for both the right lower limb (r = -0.3887, p = 0.0016) and left lower limb (r = -0.3091, p = 0.0137). No significant correlation was found between left lower limb balance and agility (r = -0.2139, p = 0.0923).

Dynamic balance is significantly associated with agility and speed in children participating in roller skating. Better balance was related to superior agility and speed performance, with right-limb balance showing stronger associations than left-limb balance. These findings highlight the importance of balance in enhancing skating-related performance.