The cross-sectional relationships between age, standing static balance, and standing dynamic balance reactions in typically developing children.

Only 20 of 26 children had complete data, and the sample was chosen for feasibility, so the correlations may be unstable. Four children did not complete the 30-second sway test because of distraction or fidgeting, and two had technical force-plate problems, so the sway results may not apply to children who cannot stand still. All children could already walk without assistance and had no balance-affecting diagnosis or injury, so the findings say little about children with neuromuscular impairment. Age was used as the developmental variable, not height, weight, skeletal age, or pubertal stage. The reliability of the dynamic stepping measure in children was not confirmed. Failure was judged by one investigator, with steps confirmed by another investigator or recordings when needed.

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The paper's publication types include NIH extramural and non-U.S. government research support.

Do not conclude that quiet standing balance is not developing in children. The study covered ages 5.8 to 12.7 years, and only 20 children had complete data, so the lack of age relationship for sway may not apply to younger, older, or more impaired children.