Influence of physical activity on balance in children: a cross-sectional study

Objective: The objective of this work is to evaluate differences in the balance of children who perform physical activity compared to those who do not. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a child population (N=130). Two study groups were established: non-physical activity group (n=68) and physical activity group (n=62). Outcome measures were Romberg test (with eyes open and eyes closed), one-legged support test (with eyes open and eyes closed) and unstable surface test (with eyes open and eyes closed). The ability and the time that they held in balance were valued. A 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was employed, and all values with a p-value lower than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: T-Student test revealed statistically significant results in favor of the group of children who performed physical activity for measures of the ability to perform the Romberg test with eyes closed (p<0.001); unstable surface ability with eyes open and eyes closed (p=0.03 and p<0.001 respectively); ability for the one-leg stand test with eyes open and with eyes closed (p<0.002 and p<0.001, respectively); and time in one-legged support with eyes closed (p<0.004). Conclusions: Children who perform physical activity have a better ability to maintain balance compared to children who do not perform physical activity.