Reference values for mobility in typically developing school-aged children: a cross-sectional study

Objective

To generate data for tests of mobility in typically developing children, and thereby establish reference values against which scores for children with a health condition can be compared.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional study was carried out at 12 primary schools.

Participants

In total, 1512 typically developing children aged 6 to 12 years (50% female) participated in this study.

Methods

Performance on four tests (Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, 10-m Walk Test, 6-minute Walk Test and Stairs Test) was measured to encompass various aspects of everyday mobility (standing up from a chair, walking short and long distances, and climbing stairs).

Results

Generally, scores increased with age, except for the Times-Sit-to-Stand Test which was stable at a mean of 1.1 (standard deviation 0.2) stands/second. Multiple regression revealed that sex made a significant contribution to the most challenging mobility tests. Visual examination showed that at approximately 11 years of age, scores for males began to exceed those for females, such that males walked 0.24 m/second [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.33] faster at their fastest speed and climbed 0.16 more stairs/second (95% CI 0.09 to 0.22) than females.

Conclusions

Data from this study have determined the reference values for mobility in typically developing school-aged children, using tests commonly applied in the clinic. With these values, the status and progress of children with a health condition may be determined accurately.

Contribution of the Paper

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  Reference values for mobility in typically developing children between 6 and 12 years of age are presented by age and sex.
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  Performance increased with age, except on the Times-Sit-to-Stand Test.
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  Differences between the sexes were found from 11 years of age.