Question

Write in detail the procedure and scoring of 'Flamingo Balance Test' and 'Plate Taping Test' recommended for the age group 5 – 8 years by SAI (Sports Authority of India).

Hint:

These tests are valuable for assessing physical abilities in children, helping to identify motor skills and balance proficiency at an early stage.

Answer 1

To address the issue, a detailed description of the procedure and scoring for the ‘Flamingo Balance Test’ and the ‘Plate Taping Test’ is provided, as recommended by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for children aged 5–8 years.

1. Flamingo Balance Test

Objective:
To measure a child's static balance.

Equipment Required:
A stopwatch and a wooden beam (approximately 50 cm long, 4 cm high, and 3 cm wide).

Procedure:
- The child stands on the wooden beam on one leg.
- The free leg is bent backward and held close to the buttocks by the hand on the same side.
- The stopwatch starts when the child achieves this stance.
- Time is recorded until the child loses balance. Losing balance occurs if the supporting foot moves, the held foot is released, or any body part touches the ground.
- Each instance of losing balance is considered a "fall".
- The child attempts the test for a maximum of 1 minute, during which the number of falls is counted.

Scoring:
- The number of falls within a 60-second period is recorded.
- A lower number of falls indicates superior balance.
- Performance evaluation is based on normative data for the specified age group, in accordance with SAI guidelines.

2. Plate Taping Test

Objective:
To assess hand movement speed and coordination (upper limb coordination).

Equipment Required:
- Two discs or plates (20 cm diameter)
- A rectangle (60 cm x 20 cm) marked on a table
- Stopwatch
- A wooden block (10 cm x 5 cm x 2 cm)

Procedure:
- Place the two plates at opposite ends of the marked rectangle on the table, with the wooden block positioned in the center.
- The child uses their preferred hand.
- The test commences with the hand resting on the wooden block.
- Upon the "Go" command, the child touches the plate on one side, then the plate on the opposite side, and returns the hand to touch the block. This constitutes one cycle.
- The child completes 25 cycles as quickly as possible.
- The stopwatch starts at "Go" and stops once the 25th cycle is finished.

Scoring:
- The total time in seconds required to complete 25 cycles is recorded.
- A shorter duration signifies enhanced hand coordination and speed.
- Performance is compared against age-specific norms provided by SAI.

Final Answer:
The Flamingo Balance Test measures static balance by counting falls within 1 minute, whereas the Plate Taping Test evaluates hand speed and coordination by timing the completion of 25 cycles. Both tests are standardized by the Sports Authority of India for children aged 5–8 years.