ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN INTRAPODAL ASYMMETRY INDICES AND COGNITIVE ABILITIES IN PREADOLESCENTS

Postural control and cognitive functioning are increasingly conceptualized as interrelated components of neurodevelopment during preadolescence. While previous research has examined global balance performance and lower-limb force production, limited attention has been directed toward intrapodal plantar force asymmetry as a potential indicator within the motor–cognitive framework. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between intrapodal plantar force asymmetry indices and cognitive abilities in preadolescents. A total of 224 clinically healthy participants aged 10–13 years (132 aged 10–11; 92 aged 12–13) were assessed in a school-based setting during the 2024–2025 academic year. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Witty SEM system (attention, reaction time, working memory, visual memory) and Raven’s Progressive Matrices. Intrapodal asymmetry indices were calculated from maximal and mean plantar force distributions recorded during unipodal support using the Desmotec E-Board platform. Data normality was tested using Shapiro–Wilk and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests, and Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients were applied accordingly (p < 0.05). Correlation analyses revealed predominantly weak but statistically significant associations between intrapodal asymmetry indices and cognitive performance (r = 0.20–0.39). In the 10–11-year group, several low-magnitude associations emerged, particularly involving memory-related measures. In the 12–13-year group, isolated moderate correlations were observed (r ≈ 0.40–0.46), especially in relation to working memory and attention parameters, although patterns were not consistent across gender. Overall, intrapodal plantar force asymmetry appears to be selectively associated with specific cognitive domains rather than reflecting a global determinant of cognitive functioning. These findings support a nuanced perspective on motor–cognitive co-development during preadolescence.