Light touch and foot stance effects on postural control in typically developing children

Abstract

The effects of light touch and foot stance on postural control by typically developing children were investigated. Reportedly, typical adults will decrease body sway using sensory information obtained from light touch for stable objects, i.e., the light touch effect. Thirty-five children aged 7-12 years participated in this study. Results indicated thefollowing: Body sway of children was decreased when using a light touch. Moreover, light touch effects differed according to the foot stance of each age. Based on these results, developments of postural control of children were discussed, especially by focusing on the role of attentional control.