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Effect of age and sex on maturation of sensory systems and balance control

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2006

R Steindl ,
K Kunz ,
A Schrott-Fischer  and
AW Scholtz
R Steindl
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
K Kunz
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
A Schrott-Fischer
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
AW Scholtz
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Abstract

Maintenance of postural balance requires an active sensorimotor control system. Current data are limited and sometimes conflicting regarding the influence of the proprioceptive, visual, and vestibular afferent systems on posture control in children. This study investigated the development of sensory organization according to each sensory component in relation to age and sex. A total of 140 children (70 males, 70 females; mean age 10y [SD 4y]; age range 3y 5mo–16y 2mo) and 20 adults (10 males, 10 females; mean age 30y 6mo [SD 8y 4mo]; age range 17y 2mo–49y 1mo) were examined using the Sensory Organization Test. Participants were tested in three visual conditions (eyes open, blindfolded, and sway-referenced visual enclosure) while standing on either a fixed or a sway-referenced force platform. Mean equilibrium scores for the six balance conditions showed rapid increases and maturation ceiling levels for age-related development of the sensorimotor control system. Proprioceptive function seemed to mature at 3 to 4 years of age. Visual and vestibular afferent systems reached adult level at 15 to 16 years of age, revealing differences between young males and females. Characterizing balance impairments can contribute to the diagnostic evaluation of neuromotor disorders.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology , Volume 48 , Issue 6 , June 2006 , pp. 477 - 482
Copyright
2006 Mac Keith Press

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