title: Relationships among age, gender, anthropometric characteristics, and dynamic balance in children 5 to 12 years old.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine relationships among age, gender, anthropometrics, and dynamic balance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Height, weight, and arm and foot length were measured in 160 children with typical development aged 5 to 12 years. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Pediatric Reach Test (PRT), and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Moderate to good positive relationships (r = 0.61 and r = 0.56) were found between increasing age and PRT and PBS scores. A fair negative relationship (r = -0.49) was observed between age and TUG test. No significant gender-by-age group difference was observed. Age had the strongest influence on TUG and PBS scores; arm length had the strongest influence on PRT scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dynamic balance ability is directly related to chronological age. Age and arm length have the strongest relationships with balance scores. These findings may assist pediatric therapists in selecting dynamic balance tests according to age rather than specific diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Pupil Personnel Services (Dr Butz), New Fairfield Public Schools, New Fairfield, Connecticut; Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (Dr Sweeney), Provo, Utah; Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Roberts), University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut; Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (Dr Rauh), San Diego State University, San Diego, California.
authors.forename: Sarah M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Butz
authors.forename: Jane K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Sweeney
authors.forename: Pamela L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Mitchell J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rauh
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance; D012737:Sex Factors