Estimation of selected parameters in stabilographic image depending on physical activity level in children and adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Balance is an extremely important component of everyday human functioning. Assessment of body balance in children can be not only a diagnostic tool, but also information about the maturation of the balance system, diversity in terms of age and sex, as well as factors affecting balance and its development. In practice, maintaining body balance is a dynamic process, consisting in "continuous loss and regaining balance". According to scientific reports, in addition to age, psychosomatic status, the development of specific sensory-motor capabilities and strategies is also influenced by the type of sport. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess balance in a group of children and adolescents with different levels of sports activity. Material and methods: The study comprised 64 children and adolescents aged 10 to 13. The group was divided into: Group 1 (15 girls and 17 boys) regularly physically active, and Group 2 (17 girls and 15 boys) not undertaking any physical activity. All participants were assessed regarding postural stability using a CQStab2P stabilometric platform. Four tests were carried out for each participant: standing on both feet, on the left and right limb, and free standing with an additional task. The following parameters were analysed: SP (Sway Path) MA (Mean Amplitude) and MF (Mean Frequency). Results: In the majority of cases, the variables indicated statistically significant differences from normal distribution – except for MA-R (on the right lower limb) and MF-T (standing on both feet with additional task). In the case of the SP-L indicators (on the left lower limb), SP-B (standing on both feet), SP-T, MA-B and MA-T, the advantage of low results was observed in the examined sample (distribution accuracy) and clear concentration near the average (leptocurticity of distribution). In the case of the trial to stand on the right lower limb, training subjects obtained statistically significantly higher SP results than those non-training. During the standing test, the length of MA was recorded as statistically significantly lower than in other conditions. In addition, the SA index, when trying to stand on the right lower limb, was statistically significantly higher in relation to the length of the radius when standing on the left limb. Training participants had a higher average radius compared to those not training. Conclusions: Physical training positively affects the results of posturographic examination. Non-training girls have a statistically significantly lower level of SP compared to boys not training and training girls.