Evaluation of Pediatric Balance Scale and Quantitative Balance Parameters in Patients With Cerebral Palsy

Evaluations will be done by Balance Master® (Neurocom International Clackmas, Oregon, USA) device which consists a system that processes signals from an 18x60 inch plaque that transmits the vertical forces exerted through patient's feet to measure center of gravity position and postural control through a software program. Each assessment will be made 3 times and average scores will be calculated via program.

Mean COG Sway Velocity (deg/sec) and COG Alignment during 3 sensory conditions will be assessed as secondary outcome measures: Firm-Eyes Closed, Foam-Eyes Open, Foam-Eyes Closed.

Evaluations will be done by Balance Master® device. Reaction Time (sec), Movement Velocity (deg/sec), Endpoint Excursions (%), Max Excursions (%) and Directional Control (%) will be recorded during forward leaning.

Evaluations will be done by Balance Master® device. Gait parameters; Step Width (cm), Step Length (cm), Speed (cm/sec), Step Length Symmetry (%) will be recorded while walking across the forceplate. Each assessment will be made 3 times and average scores will be calculated via program.

Evaluations will be done by Balance Master® device. Step Width (cm), Speed (cm/sec), End Sway (deg/sec) will be recorded as the patient walks heel to toe from one end of the forceplate to the other as quickly as possible and then stop. Each assessment will be made 3 times and average scores will be calculated via program.

Evaluations will be done by Balance Master® device. Mean COG Sway Velocity (deg/sec) will be recorded during left and right single leg standing while eyes open. Each assessment will be made 3 times and average scores will be calculated via program.

Evaluations will be done by Balance Master® device. Turn Time (sec), Turn Sway (deg), Left/Right Turn Time Difference (%) and Left/Right Turn Sway Difference (%) will be recorded as the patient walks from one end of the forceplate to the other, take a quick 180 degrees turn to either left or right and return to the starting point. Each assessment will be made 3 times and average scores will be calculated via program.

PBS is a functional balance scale adapted and customized from Berg Balance Scale for use with children. The PBS has been used initially to measure the balance functions for school-age children with mild-to-moderate motor impairments. A recent study has shown that PBS is also sensitive in assessing functional balance differences in children aged 4-10 with a rough motor function classification system (KMFSS) level 1-2

The PBS is a 14-item, criterion-referenced measure, which examines functional balance in the context of everyday tasks. It can easily be administered and scored in less than 20 minutes using equipment commonly found in schools and clinics. Scoring (0-4) is based on how long a specific movement or position is performed, how long the position can be maintained, or how much assistance it requires. The highest score in PBS is 56.

The SCALE tool was designed for clinical administration and scoring by healthcare professionals, to be used in less than 15 minutes without specialized equipment. The tool includes 'Directions for Administration,' 'Instructions for Grading,' and a 'Score Sheet.' Hip, knee, ankle, subtalar, and toe joints are assessed bilaterally. The following factors were used to develop the assessment and grading criteria: (1) ability to move each joint selectively; (2) involuntary movement at other joints including the contralateral limb; (3) ability to reciprocate movement; (4) speed of movement; and (5) generation of force as demonstrated by excursion within the available range of motion. Selective voluntary motor control is graded at each joint as 'Normal' (2 points), 'Impaired' (1 point), or 'Unable' (0 points).