OBJECTIVES: The current aim of our study was to determine the status of the core muscles among children, and to examine their effects on balance.

METHODS: The research type was longitudinal, qualitative investigation. The sample comprised of 18 students (n=18) aged 8-10 years old from Republic Square Primary School (Pécs). We used questionnaire to measure motor development, physical activity and learning habits. For measuring balance and postural muscle strength we used 3 balance tests (Flamingo test, Stork test and Balance Beam test) and 12 muscle tests (by Hungarian Spine Society). They assessed strength and flexibility. These data were measured before and after a 3-month long intervention program. The study lasted from 01.01.2016. to 31.03.2016.

RESULTS: After the evaluation of the questionnaire 24% of the students were physically inactive and. spent an average of 2 hours per day in front of the computer. According to muscle tests weakness was noticed in the abdominal muscles (44%), the muscles of the lumbar spine (44%), and the muscles of the posterior thigh (61%). After the intervention program we noted improvement in 11 out of the 12 muscle tests, and 5 showed significant changes (p<0.04). With the results of the Flamingo test we also reached the level of significance comparing before and after measurements (p=0.001). The mistakes decreased from 7.16±5.70 to 4.06±3.32. According to Stork-test students developed from 37.18±17.71 s to 47.34 ±14.93 s. The results of Balance Beam test also showed significant changes after the program (p<0.001). The coherence between balance and postural muscles and the connection was also considered significant (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: According to our results we can conclude that performance of postural muscles has a significant impact on balance skills. Based on their relationship, we also proved that developing strength and flexibility of these muscles could improve balance.