The Relationship between Knee and Ankle Proprioception and Anthropometric Indices in Elementary School Children

Background: Knee and ankle joint proprioception plays an important role in balance. Balance can also be influenced by non-environmental conditions such as anthropometric dimensions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between knee and ankle proprioception and anthropometric indicators in elementary school children.Methods: The present study is a semi-experimental research in correlational design. The statistical population of this research included all male students in the second to fifth grades of elementary schools, in north of Marand city, ۱۶۰ of whom met the conditions to enter the research. Anthropometric dimensions were measured by calipers and scanners along with a tape measure; and photography was used for the accuracy of proprioception in ankle and knee joints (ICC ≤۰.۹۷). Data analysis was done by Pearson correlation test. All statistical calculations were done at a significance level of p≤۰.۰۵.Results: Knee joint proprioceptive sense was negatively correlated with the length difference between thumb and third toe (r=-۰.۲۴۰, p=۰.۰۳۰), and with the second and third toe length difference (p=۰.۰۲۲ r=-۰.۲۵۳). Also there was a significant negative correlation between ankle joint proprioception sense and foot width (r=۰.۳۶۳, p=۰.۰۰۱), ankle circumference (r=-۰.۲۴۰, p=۰.۰۳۰) and hip circumference (r=-۰.۲۴۲, p=۰.۰۲).Conclusion: The anthropometric dimensions that are subject to heredity and are least affected by the environment, are effective for developable and changeable functions such as proprioception sense.

Keywords:

proprioception sense , non-athletic children , anthropometric dimensions