Differences in the level of body equilibrium by sex in early school-age children

Abstract

Equilibrium represents the motor capability responsible for the performance of virtually all functional movements. Thus, the importance of early diagnosis of equilibrium levels in boys and girls was recognized as the key factor for the prevention of motor deficits and muscles misbalances later in life. Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to show the difference between boys and girls aged 7‒10 years in the level of unilateral static balance of the take-off leg. Methods: Research was conducted at the Kvarner Athletics Club Rijeka, and it involved 80 children aged 7‒10 years (38 boys and 42 girls). Measurement of static unilateral equilibrium was obtained using Gyko Inertial System (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy). Three attempts were made in 20 seconds and two motor variables were observed: medio-lateral and antero-posterior trajectories of the body. For both variables, the arithmetic mean, the minimum and maximum score and standard deviation were calculated. Moreover, a non-parametric method of the Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine statistical significance between boys and girls. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Statistically, girls have significantly better results compared to boys, both in the medio-lateral trajectory variable (M_Sumg = 335.1, M_Sumb = 479.34) and the antero-posterior trajectory variable (M_Sumg = 291.14, M_Sumb = 411.71). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that girls aged 7‒10 years achieved significantly better results compared to boys in observed motor variables (medio-lateral and antero-posterior trajectory of the body), when performing a static unilateral take-off leg balance test. These results are consistent with previous research. Indications for such results stem from different perspectives, among which the most common one refers to the earlier maturation of the systems responsible for postural control in female bodies. Recommendation for further research is to conduct examination on a larger sample of subjects, in younger children (pre-school age) and with both legs.