Reference Values for Standing Balance in Typically Developing Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

AIM: To establish reference values for standing balance in typically developing children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 primary schools and 8 preschools, including 2,261 children aged 3 to 12 years old. Static (One-Legged Stance Test) and dynamic (Step Test) standing balance were measured for both legs. Stepwise regression examined the predictive roles of age, sex, weight, and height. RESULTS: One-Legged Stance Test increased from a mean of 9 seconds (standard deviation [SD] 6) for 3-year-olds to 30 seconds (SD 0) for 12-year-olds. Step Test increased from a mean of 0.8 steps/s (SD 0.1) for 3-year-olds to 1.4 steps/s (SD 0.2) for 12-year-olds. Predictors explained 44% of the variance in the One-Legged Stance Test (age 41%) and 59% in the Step Test (age 57%). CONCLUSIONS: Age was the strongest predictor of standing balance. Most children by 7 years old already perform similarly to adults in both static and dynamic standing balance.