Psychometric properties of functional balance tests in children: a literature review

Abstract

Aim Identifying balance problems are the first step towards monitoring and rehabilitation. Therefore, this paper aims to make an overview of the psychometric properties of the functional balance tests available for children. Method A literature search was performed in PubMED and Web of Science on 8 February 2014 and updated on 6 July 2014. A conceptual framework for functional balance tests was defined, taking balance control components and task constraints into account. The tests were selected for inclusion by consensus of 2‐3 reviewers using the conceptual framework. Results Fourteen tests were investigated in 25 articles and analysed within the conceptual framework. The Timed Up and Go test, Pediatric Balance Scale, and Pediatric Reach Test are well investigated and all show good reliability. Validity remains unclear because of lack of a criterion standard to measure balance control. Interpretation Because of the lack of good methodological studies, strong evidence for the use of one or more functional balance tests in children cannot be provided. Moreover, it is necessary that a criterion standard to measure balance is established.

Experimental Validation of Depth Cameras for the Parameterization of Functional Balance of Patients in Clinical Tests

“…When assessing balance of patients it is important to analyze the subject in static, semi-static and dynamic situations [1,2,3]. In clinical practice, balance is typically assessed by functional tests [1,2,3] that evaluate the motor reactions of the subject while performing a given standard functional movement [1,2,3].…”

The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Gait and Posture

“…Therefore, it is of great importance that postural deficits are identified early on [1]. The concept of balance has been defined in many different ways [3][4][5]. Balance has been described as the "foundation for all voluntary motor skills" [3,5].…”

“…The concept of balance has been defined in many different ways [3][4][5]. Balance has been described as the "foundation for all voluntary motor skills" [3,5]. The concept of balance comprises the control of posture and the control of equilibrium, and the combination of both is necessary to ensure stability of the body during differing motor tasks allowing skilled movement [3].…”

“…Postural control can be defined as achieving a desired body position and maintaining this position in any static (maintaining a posture) or dynamic (performing a motor skill) situation [3,4]. Equilibrium control relates to maintaining intersegmental stability of the body and its parts despite the gravitational and inertial forces acting on it [5]. Destabilizing forces could lead to falls, so that adequate reactions to destabilizing forces are necessary to restore balance such as the stepping strategy [3,4].…”

“…Destabilizing forces could lead to falls, so that adequate reactions to destabilizing forces are necessary to restore balance such as the stepping strategy [3,4]. Depending on their age, children adopt different balance strategies determined not only by the difficulty of the task, but also by the characteristics of each developmental period [5]. In summary, the concept of balance control is the combination of proactive, predictive, and reactive mechanisms that relate to achieving, maintaining, and restoring balance, respectively [3], and the different balance strategies used by children lead towards this purpose.…”