Effect of Tanner Stage on Proprioception Accuracy

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare to proprioceptive accuracy between early adolescence which include Tanner stage I and II, and late adolescence which include Tanner Stage IV and V. METHODS: 24 healthy, non-athletes who were in Tanner Stage I or II during early adolescence and late adolescence including 13 healthy, non-athletes adolescents who were in Tanner Stage IV or V were included. We evaluated the proprioceptive ability by using four different tests; one-leg-standing test, a single limb-hopping test, an active reproduction test, and a passive angle-reproduction test. Single-Limb-Hopping course consists of eight squares, four of which are flat One square has a 15° incline. The volunteers were asked to jump across the course on one leg by touching each area once as fast as possible without leaving the course. The total result was quantified by the seconds used to pass the course. One-leg-standing test evaluates the adolescents' ability to keep balance while standing on one leg. Each surface-contact with the contralateral leg was counted as one failure point. The active angle-reproduction test was performed at positions of 25° of plantarflexion and 15° dorsiflexion. Angular displacement was recorded as the error in degrees between the presented angle and the repositioned angle. Sense of the passive movement evaluated with the device is a box with movable platform that rotates about a single axis for the passive reproduction of passive positioning at 25° of plantarflexion and 15° of dorsiflexion. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between early and late adolescence stages and between dominant and non-dominant ankle in each groups in single-limb-hopping test. There were statistically differences between early and late adolescent stage in non-dominant ankle in for one-leg-standing test. For passive for sense position of the joint there were no significant differences between early and late adolescent stage for plantar and dorsi flexion passive for sense position. Active for sense of the joint position there were no significant differences between early and late adolescent stage for plantar and dorsi flexion active for sense position. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual maturation stage is not affected on proprioceptive ability in adolescence.