Abstract

Background and Aims:
Balance is essential for daily activities and is influenced by various factors, including gender, body mass index (BMI), and weight status. This study investigates the relationships between gender, BMI, static and dynamic balance, and evaluates the impact of weight status on muscle strength in school-aged children.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in primary schools in Al-Majmaah province, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, involving 86 girls and 80 boys aged 7 to 9 years. Static balance was assessed using the Single-Leg Stance (SLS) test, dynamic balance using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and muscle strength using a handheld dynamometer for quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
Result:
The boys demonstrated significantly better dynamic balance performance on the TUG test compared to girls (p < 0.001), indicating faster movement control and coordination. In contrast, static balance, measured by the SLS test showed no significant gender difference (p = 0.13), suggesting comparable postural stability between boys and girls. Boys demonstrated greater quadriceps and hamstring strength compared to girls (p < 0.001). Weak to moderate positive correlations were identified between BMI and muscle strength in both genders.
Conclusion:
The findings highlight notable gender differences in dynamic balance and muscle strength, while static balance remains comparable between genders. The positive correlation between BMI and muscle strength underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for optimal physical development in children.

Key words: Gender; BMI; Obesity; Balance; Muscle Strength; Children