Computerized static posturography and laterality in children. Influence of age.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The present study aims to explore relationships between footedness and posturographic assessment in children aged from 4 to 10. A real-time computerised device was used on a force plate for movement analysis. It requires a static posturography to assess postural control of children with the same handedness and footedness. METHODS: Thirty eight right-handed and right-footed children organized in three age groups of 4 to 6 years old, 6 to 8 years old and 8 to 10 years old participated in the study. Two statical tests, the Unilateral Stance (US) and the Weight Bearing Squat (WBS) were performed, jointly with a dynamic balance examination (Limits of Stability (LOS)). All these tests were executed to explore the body capability of the right/left side. RESULTS: The study demonstrated significant differences involving the right/left side among the three age groups. Better performance on the youngest children's right part and on the oldest children's left part was observed. Differences between the left and right sides of the body were noticeably revealed by posturographic assessments in right-handed and right-footed children. CONCLUSIONS: Age seemed to be a determinant for these outcomes. Maturation of the vestibular at the ages of 6 or 7 years might explain the observed differences between the youngest children and olderchildren.