Tarsus and knee setting in children at the final stage of early childhood taking into account the six-month age ranges

Abstract

Purpose The study aimed to analyze the tarsus and knee setting in 3-year-old girls and boys, taking into account the six-month age ranges. Methods The study involved 800 children (400 girls, 400 boys) recruited from randomly selected preschools in the in the Podkarpackie region. Study group was divided into two age ranges: 1st group (children aged 3.00-3.49 years) and 2nd group (children aged 3.50-3.99 years). Baseline goniometer (Fei Fabrication Ltd., USA) was used as primary research tool. The data were analyzed based on Mann Whitney U test and Student’s t test for independent samples. Results Sex differences concern only the tibio-calcaneal angle in children in the 2nd age group (right: p<0.001) and left p<0.001). Statistically significant differences in both girls (right lower limb: p=0.003; left lower limb: p=0.002), and boys (right lower limb: p=0.001; left lower limb: p=0.001) were found. Conclusions Boys were characterized by greater valgus of the tarsus of the right and left foot than girls. Knees of girls and boys in the 1st age group were characterized by greater valgus, compared to children from the 2nd age group.