Comparison of different methods used in balance evaluation in children with diparetic cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of Single Leg Stance (SLS), Tandem Stance (TS) and Pediatric Reach Tests (PRT) in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

METHODS: Fifty-three children (31 boys, 22 girls, age:3-15 years, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level I- II with diparetic CP were included the study. SLS, TS, PRT test used for balance evaluations. SLS test was made by standing on dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) extremity both eyes opened (EO) and closed (EC).

RESULTS: The mean age of childrens were 7.88±3.43 years. The Cronbach's - coefficients of all tests used to evaluate the internal consistency were found to excellent to acceptable level. SLS-D with EO/ EC, SLS-ND with EO/ EC and TS with EO had strong correlation, TS with EC and PRT-Forward moderate correlation, PRT-Right and eft low correlation with GMFCS. All tests except PRT-Right and PRT-Left were discriminate balance ability between GMFCS level I and level II (AUC>0.800).

CONCLUSION: In this study, we used SLS, TS, PRT for balance evaluations and we investigated reliability and validity (construct and predictive) of each balance tests in childeren with diparetic CP. All tests were sensitive in distinguishing between GMFCS levels I and II, except PRT-Right and PRT-Left. As a result of the study, it was determined that the tests were valid and reliable, suggesting that physiotherapists will provide clinical advantage in order to quickly learn about the balance of children with CP.