Abstract

The aim of the study is to describe changes in selected parameters of postural stability while standing with eyes open and closed in boys and girls aged 7-11 years. Monitored parameters included COP velocity and SD of velocity. The sample consisted of 144 children from a primary school, i.e. 85 boys and 69 girls. Stability was measured on FootScane plate for 30 seconds at a frequency of 33 Hz. The results show a decrease of COP velocity and SD of velocity with age while standing with eyes open and closed. In a standing position with eyes open, age changes of stability are more pronounced in the first half of the period, while in a standing position with eyes closed they are more remarkable in the second half of the period. In all age groups, COP velocity and SD of velocity were higher while standing with eyes closed when compared to the standing position with eyes open. On average, girls achieved lower values of COP velocity and SD of velocity than boys. Differences are disappearing after the ninth year of age. Postural stability of primary school children improves with age for both boys and girls. With the loss of visual information, postural stability declines. At the age of nine years, girls show a better postural stability than boys. Verf.-Referat