Citation

Sibley KM, Beauchamp MK, Van Ooteghem K, Paterson M, Wittmeier KD. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2017; 98(10): 2066-2078.e4.

Affiliation

George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation; Department of Physiotherapy, Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2017.02.032

PMID

28438514

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify measures of standing balance validated in pediatric populations and determine the components of postural control captured in each tool. DATA SOURCES: Electronic searches of Medline, Embase, and CINAHL databases using key word combinations of postural balance/ equilibrium, psychometrics/ reproducibility of results/ predictive value of tests, child/ pediatrics; grey literature; and hand searches. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria were measures with a stated objective to assess balance, pediatric (<=18 years) populations, at least one psychometric evaluation, one standing task, standardized protocol and evaluation criteria, and published in English. Two reviewers independently identified studies for inclusion. 21 measures were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers extracted descriptive characteristics and two investigators independently coded components of balance in each measure using a systems perspective for postural control, an established framework for balance in pediatric populations. DATA SYNTHESIS: Components of balance evaluated in measures were underlying motor systems (100% of measures), anticipatory postural control (72%), static stability (62%), sensory integration (52%), dynamic stability (48%), functional stability limits (24%), cognitive influences (24%), verticality (9%), and reactive postural control (0%). LIMITATIONS: The review did not consider difficulty of items or non-standing postural tasks.

CONCLUSIONS: Assessing children's balance with valid and comprehensive measures is important for ensuring development of safe mobility and independence with functional tasks. Balance measures validated in pediatric populations to date do not comprehensively assess standing postural control and omit some key components for safe mobility and independence. Existing balance measures, which have been validated in adult populations and address some of the existing gaps in pediatric measures, warrant consideration for validation in children.

Copyright © 2017 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

accidental falls; growth & development; mobility limitation; postural balance; psychometrics; young adult