Functional balance tests in 7-10 year-old children: reliability and relation to anthropometric parameters

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the reliability of functional balance tests in 7-10 year-old children, as well as the relation between the functional balance tests and anthropometric parameters. Methods: The study sample was composed of 80 7-10 year-old children (40 boys and 40 girls) from Nishapur (Iran). The participants were selected randomly with the approval of the Nishapur Education Department. Romberg's test and Sharpened Romberg Test were used to assess static balance. Y Balance Test was used to assess semi-dynamic balance. Timed Up and Go Test and Tandem Gait Test were used to assess dynamic balance. The following anthropometric parameters were measured: weight (kg), height (cm), leg length (cm), arch of the foot (cm), upper body length (cm), lower body length (cm), upper limb length (cm). The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20. Findings: Romberg test was not reliable. Sharpened Romberg Test was reliable in girls. Timed Up and Go Test and Tandem Gait Test were reliable in boys. Y Balance Test was reliable in boys and girls. The analysis of the correlation between functional balance tests (static and dynamic) and anthropometric parameters according to sex showed that there was only a significant negative correlation between arch of the foot and Sharpened Romberg Test in girls (r=-.43; p=.00). Conclusions: Sharpened Romberg Test is reliable in Iranian 7-10 year-old girls. Timed Up and Go Test and Tandem Gait Test are reliable in Iranian 7-10 year-old boys. Y Balance Test is reliable in 7-10 year-old Iranian children. Static balance has a significant and negative correlation with the arch of the foot in Iranian 7-10 year-old girls