Research on the Duration and Data Extraction Methods for Measuring Static Balance in 4-to-6-year-old Preschoolers Using Inertial Sensors

Objective This study aimed to ascertain the optimal measurement duration and data acquisition approach for measuring the static balance of preschool children using inertial sensors. Methods Ninety children aged 4–6 years old were randomly recruited. Inertial sensors were placed at the center of mass (COM) location and four tests were conducted. The angular velocity modulus ( ω ) of COM sway was extracted. Results For the 5 - year - old children, under normal conditions, a statistically significant difference was observed between the first 5 - second and the last 30 - second periods ( P  < 0.05). In the case of 6 - year - old children, when standing on a sponge pad with eyes closed, a significant difference was detected between the 10th and the 15th seconds ( P  < 0.05). For all children, no significant differences were noted between the data at the 15th second and those at the 20th, 25th, 30th, and 35th seconds ( P  > 0.05). Conclusion When employing inertial sensors to assess the body stability of 4 to 6 years old children, a measurement duration of 15 seconds, with the exclusion of data from the first 5 seconds, can reflect the body's stable state.