Development of the Function of Preserving Standing Posture in Japanese Children

Abstract

Dex7elopment with age of neuromuscular control for preservation of standing posture was followed up in primary and middle school students of Tokyo, Nagano and Sado districts (3956 in total).The procedure of the test used was composed of making them stand on one leg with eyes open or closed and recording its duration until they lost balance.The results are classified into three groups i. e. (i) under 5 seconds, (ii) between 5 and 10 seconds and (iii) 10 seconds and longer.The percentage frequencies of these groups in each grade are shown in table 1 and Fig. 2. These figures show that the general trend of the development of this ability follows the so-called neural pattern.The averages of the record were calculated, counting the record of group (iii) as 10 sec. (Table 5 and Fig. 1).Differences among districts and between sexes were also investigated.It was concluded:(1) The ability of preserving standing posture develops with age, showing what Scammon called neural type of developmental curve.(2) Local deviations and intersexual difference are not evident.(3) Full development of this ability is attained in the 7th grade.