Comparative study of postural control among practicing and non-judo children

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the postural balance between practicing and non-judo children. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study in which a convenience sample of boys from 06 to 09 years of age was included, divided into two groups: the judo group (N = 12) and the group practitioner (N = 12). The postural balance of the children was evaluated through Computerized Dynamic Posturography (PDC), with sensory organization tests (TOS), divided into six conditions, which evaluate the integration of visual, vestibular and somatosensory neural systems. Results: Judokas presented condition I of TOS higher than that of non-practitioners (p = 0.04), a condition that evaluates the three neural systems responsible for maintaining balance. Conclusions: Boys practicing judo had better interaction between the visual, vestibular and proprioceptive systems and, consequently, better postural balance, when compared to non - practitioners.