SOME OBSERVATIONS ON TETRA-ATAXIAMETRIC PATTERNS OF STATIC BALANCE AND THEIR RELATION TO MENTAL AND SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENTS

Recent experiences and observations gathered in the context of six independent studies in California, France, and Israel with a new method of tetra-ataxiametry based on the use of four footplates, are presented. Two independent postural parameters assessed by this method (fluctuations and anterio-posterior weight displacement) have been shown to be reliable over time and to correlate with scholastic progress at the lower elementary grades (ages 5 to 9 yr.). They also seem to be sensitive to minimal neurological dysfunction and to postural characteristics of deaf children. Results of one study indicate that diagonal balancing movements (between heel and contra-lateral toe) reflected by the tetra-ataxiametric measure of synchrony may play an important role in postural organization. Findings offer new perspectives on problems of postural laterality and on the relationship between static balance, cognition, and scholastic aptitudes at the lower grades of elementary education.