Analysis of the distribution of foot force on the ground before and after a kinaesthetic stimulation

Abstract

Aim. Analysis of the distribution of foot force on the ground in children before and after kinaesthetic stimulation. Materials and methods. Research was conducted from April 11 to May 22, 2019, in two groups of children aged 7-12. The experimental group (E) consisted of children attending dance classes, while the control group (C) comprised their peers undergoing mandatory physical educations classes. To obtain answers to the posed research questions, the tests were carried out using a sub-pararographic mat. The results were analysed using the Statistica program. The authors are aware that some of the results obtained are nonparametric data, therefore, the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were used. Considering further results analysed via the Student’s t-test, non-parametric data were analysed for this test. Results. There were statistically significant differences between the average results of the subjects at the level of p<0.05 occurring before the introduction of kinaesthetic stimulation. Distribution of forces on the metatarsal bones of the left foot (pd0.04), the tarsus bones of the left foot (pd0.0078), the toes of the right foot (pd0.0039) and the metatarsal bones of the right foot (pd0.03). However, after stimulation, a statistically significant difference at the level of pd0.0076 occurred in the distribution of forces on the bones of the toes of the right foot. Analysing the average results, statistically significant differences were observed for COP distance (pd0.0001) and the area of t he body’s barycentre ellipse (pd0.01999). Conclusions. Dance practiced in childhood significantly affects the postural stability of the body and the distribution of forces on the ground. It was also noticed that when performing fast movements, there were noticeable differences in the body posture of dancing and non-dancing children.