Relationships between perceptual-motor skills and postural balance in nine years old boys

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate relationship between static-dynamic balance performance and two-hand coordination, reaction time, anthropometric measurements and leg strength. Fifty voluntary male children (age: 9.29 ± 1.11 years, height: 138.86 ± 7.86 cm, weight: 35.20 ± 9.2 kg) who did not exercise regularly were included into the study. The correlation Static Balance (SB) and dynamic balance (DB), with leg strength (LG), vertical jump (VJ), reaction time (RT), two-arm coordination and anthropometric measurements were investigated. As a result, although, no correlation was found between balance parameters and reaction time (p>0.05), higher correlation was found between balance parameters and two-hand coordination, strength and some anthropometric parameters (p<0.05) in nine-year old male children. Furthermore, it is suggested that in order to develop static and dynamic balance in children, sport education programs should not only include the gross-motor coordination skills, but also include manipulative and fine motor coordination skills. These findings may be useful for trainer and physical education teachers while preparing sport education programs. Key words: Postural control, children, muscle strength, coordination, anthropometry