Influence of age, sex, and visual information on postural control in children

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aims to evaluate and identify the influence of age, sex, and visual information on postural control in children. Methods: Participants were 62 children (30 boys and 32 girls) divided into the following age groups (G) G1, aged 5-6 years (n = 23); G2, aged 7-8 years (n = 21); and G3, aged 9-10 years (n = 18). The analyzed variables were the center of pressure (COP) and anteroposterior (AP) and mid-lateral (ML) oscillation velocity (OV) obtained in the biped posture force platform with their open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE). Results: G3 COP, OV_AP, and OV_ML are smaller than those in G1 and G2 in OE (p < 0.00) and CE (p < 0.05). Girls demonstrated worse postural control than boys for COP, OV_AP, and OV_ML (p < 0.00) in G1. Conclusion: Age was the most influential factor of COP (21%), OV_AP (24%), and OV_ML (39%). Older children perform better, because of the positive contribution of visual information. Girls initially had worse postural control responses, but at age 7-8, they tend to outgrow boys. Advanced age provides more influence on postural control than visual information and sex.(AU)