Effect Of Balance Training On Posture Control In Different Grades Of Elementary School Children

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Posture control is important for all physical exertions. However, it is unknown at which ages balance training should be intensively performed during the childhood period. PURPOSE: To clarify different effect of balance training among elementary school children in different grades. METHODS: The subjects in this study were elementary school children near the university. Almost all children (male; 181, female; 164) participated in this training study. Same balance training regimen was performed by the children in all grades for 10 min per day, 4 days/week for 3 weeks. Before training, the height, body mass and grip strength were measured. Posture control ability was evaluated by the balance board test and one-legged test. The balance board test investigated the velocity of integration of the center of pressure (COP) during the upright posture (15sec) on a commercial balance board by an instrument that determines COP. In the one-legged test, we determined the COP velocity and success or failure (15sec). RESULTS: Before training, the COP velocity during the balance board test was significantly lower in second-graders compared to third-graders (p < 0.05) and there were no significant differences after the third grade. After training, the COP velocity of the second-graders improved to the same level as that of the third-graders. A training effect of the one-legged test was observed in first to fourth grade. Sex difference was not shown. Height and body mass significantly increased as the grade level increased (p < 0.01). Grip strength significantly increased after fourth grade (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It was clarified that the second to third grade of elementary school was an important period for acquiring high balance control, and more advanced abilities as the one-legged test developed until the fourth grade. Furthermore the development of posture control was different from strength development.