Abstract
Recently, to evaluate dynamic balance ability, a stipulated tempo step test has been developed, and a step error between tempo and contact time of feet has been used as an evaluation variable. The step error, postural sway, and their relationships may differ between the slow tempo (40 bpm) and fast tempo (120 bpm). This study aimed to examine the aforementioned problem with 62 participant children (30 boys and 32 girls). The step error and postural sway variables (X-axis path length, Y-axis path length, total path length, peripheral area, and rectangular area) during stepping while matching both tempos were measured. Means of one minute and three intervals (0–20 sec, 20–40 sec, and 40–60 sec) for each variable were calculated in both tempos. The results of the paired t-test showed that means of all variables were larger in the 40 bpm tempo than in the 120 bpm tempo. In the multiple comparison tests after the results of the two-way repeated measures ANOVA, the means of three intervals in all variables were larger in the 40 bpm tempo than in the 120 bpm tempo; the means of the sway variables, excluding that of the X-axis path length, in the 40 bpm tempo were larger in the 0–20 sec interval than in the 20–40 sec interval or the 40–60 sec interval. Correlations between step errors and those between the step error and sway variables of both tempos were insignificant or under moderation. The correlations between the step error and sway variables in both tempos were insignificant or significant but low, and those among sway variables were high, except between the X- and Y-axis path lengths. The relationship between both axis path lengths differed according to the tempo. In conclusion, in the case of the stipulated tempo step test targeting children, the slow tempo has a greater step error and postural sway than the fast tempo, and the sway in the early step stage is greater in the slow tempo. The relationships between step errors and between the step error and sway variables of both tempos are low; hence, the ability related to the test may differ in both tempos. The relationships among sway variables in both tempos are high, except between the X- and Y-axis path lengths.
Highlights
Dynamic balance ability refers to maintaining the stability of the posture during body movement and has been evaluated in targeting subjects of a wide age range from infants to the elderly (Shin & Demura, 2009; Aoki et al, 2012)
A significant interaction was found only in peripheral area and rectangular area, and multiple comparison tests showed that the means of three intervals were larger in the 40 bpm tempo than in the 120 bpm tempo (ES = 2.78–2.95)
The means of both area variables were larger in the 0–20 sec interval than in the 20–40 sec interval (ES = 0.37–0.38), and that of peripheral area was larger in the 0–20 sec interval than in the 40–60 sec interval (ES = 0.22)
Summary
Dynamic balance ability refers to maintaining the stability of the posture during body movement and has been evaluated in targeting subjects of a wide age range from infants to the elderly (Shin & Demura, 2009; Aoki et al, 2012). A stipulated tempo step test recently developed by Shin and Demura (2009) has been used a time difference between tempo and contact time of feet (step error) as an evaluation variable based on the assumption that people can step while matching the tempo suitably, thereby having superior dynamic balance ability (Shin & Demura, 2009; Aoki et al, 2012). Shin and Demura (2007) reported that the mean of step error in the stipulated tempo step test is larger in the order of 40, 60, and 120 bpm tempos in elderly subjects, but an insignificant difference was observed among tempos in young adults. Elderlies with inferior leg strength have a difficult time keeping a stable posture. They cannot step suitably while matching the tempo. Children with underdeveloped leg strength have a hard time stepping while matching the slow tempo; they may have a large step error
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
