Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching on Static and Dynamic Balance in Children Aged 7 to 11 Years

Background: Stretching is commonly used to improve static and dynamic balance. In general, a 7-year-old would have reached their optimal static postural and by 11 years old, their balance may be further affected by increased body mass. Therefore, it is important to investigate how stretching modes, namely acute static (ASS) and dynamic stretching (ADS), influence static and dynamic balance in these two groups. Methods: In a randomized-order, acute-static-stretching (ASS) and acute-dynamic-stretching (ADS) exercises were conducted on 36 participants (7- and 11-year-old groups; n = 18 per group). Static and dynamic balance were evaluated using the Stork Balance Stand Test (SBST) and the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (MSEBT) respectively. Results: The 11-year-olds weighed more than the 7-year-olds group. The 7-year-old cohort showed higher scores in their dominant limb for MSEBT following both ASS and ADS stretching, and higher score in SBST following ADS stretching. It appears that following stretching exercises, the 7-year-old group performed better in balance tests. Conclusion: Despite normal growth i.e., an increase in body mass, the older children showed lower balance performance following ASS and ADS, suggesting blunted strength development. The higher adaptation potential in the younger group, coupled up with possible lifestyle factors in older children may have influenced the effects of acute stretching exercised in terms of balance improvement.